1st Maryland Cavalry, US
Alternate Designations
History
The First Maryland Cavalry was organized in Baltimore and Williamsport, Maryland, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., from August of 1861 to June, 1862. The regiment enlisted for a term of three years. At the end of it's term of service all but the veterans were mustered out, who remained on active duty until August 8, 1865.
Company A., B., C., D. & E. were recruited in Baltimore City. Company F. at Cockeysville, G. & K. at Pittsburg, H. & I. in Washington and Allegany Counties, and L. & M. were recruited in Washington, D.C.
In January of 1862, while the regiment was still organizing, Companies G., I. & K. were transfered to West Virginia in response to Stonewall Jackson's Winter Campaign through the upper Shenandoah and his move against Hancock, Maryland. Company I. particularly distinguished itself on February 14, 1862 at Bloomery Gap, West Virginia.
In May of 1862, Companies A., B., C., G. & I., under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Wetschy, helped to cover General Nathan Bank's retreat from Winchester, who had been attacked there on the 24th by Stonewall Jackson.
Companies D., F., H., K. and L., under Major Deems, arrived at Harper's Ferry on May 25th to assist in repushing furhter advances by the Confederates at this time. On the 28th this portion of the 1st Maryland, along with part of Cole's Cavalry, the 111th Pennsylvania Infantry and a section of artillery moved to Charlestown, where they encountered Jackson's vanguard. During the skirmish that followed the 1st Maryland suffered serious losses.
As Jackson moved back up the Valley in May and June of 1862, the 1st Maryland Cavalry accompanied Bank's army in it's pursuit of Jackson. Then in June moved with Banks into eastern Virginia to join the command of General Pope.
The 1st Maryland participated in Pope's campaign, fighting at Cedar Mountain, Centerville and Second Manassas. Company H. & I. had remained in the Valley as part of the Harper's Ferry garrison and contriputed to the arsenal's defense in September, 1862, when Jackson moved against Harper's Ferry. These two companies were among the Federal cavalry column that broke out of Harper's Ferry on September 15th.
The 1st Maryland was transfered to General Stoneman's Cavalry Division and participated in his famous raid deep into Virginia in April and May of 1863. The regiment was fully engaged at the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9th, and all the major cavalry engagements from that point until the completion of the Battle of Gettysburg. At Gettysburg the 1st Maryland served to the south east of Culp's Hill on the extreme right of Meade's line, and was engaged in the cavalry battle on July 3rd.
The 1st Maryland continued with the Army of the Potomac through Grant's Wilderness campaign, was temporarily assigned to the Army of the James, but returned to the Army of the Potomac when General Sheridan returned to the Army of the Potomac after securing the Shenandoah.
During the final stages of the siege of Petersburg the 1st Maryland operated on the extreme left flank of the Army of the Potomac and participated in the pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia after it's breakout in April. The regiment was present at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.
The 1st Maryland suffered three officers and sixty-five enlisted men killed; three officers and one hundred and thirty enlisted men died of disease.
History provided by Gary Baker of the Association of Carroll's Sacred Trust.
Published Sources
See the General Sources page for items containing information on all Maryland Units.
Reenacting Links
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