Place

Interpretive Panels Gambrill Mill Burning the Bridge

A informational panel in front of — Gambrill Mill Burning the Bridge
NPS / Claire Hassler

Audio Description, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

This wayside addresses the burning of the wooden covered bridge on the Georgetown Pike spanning the Monocacy River by Union troops.

The main body of text on the upper third of the wayside reads as follows:

On July 9, 1864, a wooden covered bridge spanned the Monocacy River where you see the present-day Urbana Pike Bridge. The covered bridge provided easy movement for the Confederates, intent on speeding 15,000 troops with their horses, wagons, and artillery toward their objective, 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; flames engulfed the structure destroying it.

[The covered bridge] had to go.… I remember as if it were yesterday the struggle I had with myself to have the match applied.… I gave the word and in a moment…the old crossing was in a whirl of flame and smoke. — Union Major General Lew Wallace

The Gambrill Mill

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Duration:: 3 minutes, 31 seconds

Two Medals of Honor were earned for actions during the Battle of Monocacy. This video discusses the two Vermont soldiers that received the Medals of Honor and covers the final shots of the Battle.