Burning the Bridge

On July 9, 1864, a wooden covered bridge spanned the Monocacy River where the present-day Urbana Pike Bridge stands. The covered bridge provided easy movement for the Confederates, who intended to speed 15,000 troops with their horses, wagons, and artillery toward Washington, D.C. Union General Wallace ordered the bridge held “at all hazard.” Throughout the morning the Confederates advanced on the bridge, but a determined Union force held them back. By noon, Wallace decided to move his troops toward the Confederate threat at the Thomas farm, then ordered the bridge burned. Sheaves of wheat were gathered and ignited under the bridge's roof, and flames engulfed the structure and destroyed it.

Maryland · United States