14th New Jersey Monument

14th New Jersey Monument

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Location:

Frederick, Maryland

Significance:

Civil War Monument, Battle of Monocacy

Designation:

National Battlefield, National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmark

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

Amenities

4 listed

Audio Description, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto

Due to Road Construction the 14th New Jersey Monument is currently inaccessible. The road project is expected to finish in Spring 2021.

Dedicated on July 9, 1907, the 14th New Jersey Monument was the first Civil War monument erected at Monocacy Junction. The State of New Jersey commissioned the monument in honor of the soldiers of the 14th New Jersey Regiment for the their dedicated service and sacrifice throughout the Civil War.

The monument commission was comprised of veterans from the 14th New Jersey. Funded by the State of New Jersey, the commission was responsible for the location, design, construction, and dedication. In their report to the Governor, the monument committee described their design as "a departure from the usual form, a soldier at parade rest. This statue represents a 'soldier in action,' having just fired his rifle, he reaches with his right hand for another cartridge, while his left hand grasps his rifle to bring it into position to load as he advances."

The commission placed two bronze plaques on the monument. The first plaque reads:

Erected by the State of New Jersey to commemorate the heroic services of the 14th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteer Infrantry, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, at the Battle of Monocacy, MD.
July 9, 1864
*************
The 14th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers was organized on the Monmouth Battle Ground, and mustered in the United States service near Freehold, New Jersey August 26th, 1862, and was mustered out June 18th, 1865, near Washington, D.C.

The second plaque reads:

The Union forces commanded by General Lew Wallace on the battlefield so stubbornly opposed the Confederate troops under General Jubal A. Early as to assure the safey of the National Capital.
*************
The Commission to erect the monument
Major John C. Patterson, President
Adjutant William H. Foster, Secretary
Corporal R.A.Clark, Treasurer
Captain Jarvis Wanser
Sergeant John Grover
Thos Manson & Son, Builders

Two additional plaques were added later to the monument. The State of New Jersey rededicated the monument on the centennial of the battle and added a plaque noting:

This site rededicated July 5, 1964

Civil War Centennial Commission
State of New Jersey

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the monument, a ceremony was held on July 7, 2007. In advance of the rededication, the National Park Service initiated a restoration of the 14th New Jersey Monument.The project focused cleaning and repairing the monument. Restoration specialist removed biological growth and other contaminants from the sculpture and base. A number of areas of damage - probably as a result of vandalism - were carefully repaired and restored. The monument's bronze plaques were cleaned and waxed, and the concrete apron surrounding the base was replaced. A plaque commemorating the monument's anniversary was unveiled at the rededication ceremony.

We commemorate the 100th anniversary of this monument and rededicate it in honor of those who served with pride and distinction in the 14th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. One hundred years ago, in a time of healing, the surviving veterans came here to remember their comrades and their sacrifices. We gather here today to honor them anew. Their struggle to preserve the Union must never be forgotten.
The New Jersey Civil War History Association
July 7, 2007