| Maryland is just south of the Mason-Dixon line. It borders Virginia, the former Confederate capital, and Washington, D.C., the Union capital. Running through it is the Potomac River, an excellent invasion route for a Confederate regiment. A lot of friction went on
between the two groups on Montgomery County. Positioned in such a hot spot,
Federal forces occupied this area, especially Rockville, quite early in
the war. Although this was a slave state, it was part of the Union. Many
supposed pro-Confederate's homes were raided, and the home owners arrested
without trial. Pro-Union citizens were harassed by neighbors. Men would
leave for Virginia to fight for the "rightful" cause. Despite little physical
damage to our county, the psychological damage suffered lasted long after
the war ended. |
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