A Glimpse at History

Just a short distance from Gettysburg, Antietam, Monocacy, and Harpers Ferry, nestled somewhat in the middle of all of these major battle sites, lies the town of Frederick, Maryland. It is home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. There, you can explore 7,000 square fee of life-like exhibits that tell the story of care and healing, courage and devotion, amidst the death and destruction of the Civil War. Medicine was very primative in the 1800’s with the crude beliefs like blood letting, for example. A practice that was believed would clense the body of its illness by draining the bad blood from it. We now know this just weakened the patients already weakened state. It was during the Civil War that huge advancements were made in the medical field by accident and by necessity. Triage (the ranking of wound severity from minor to fatal), the establishment of an ambulance service and the practice of sterilization began during this time period.

For the Civil War buff, those of you studying to one day work in the medical field, and those of you whom already do, you should not miss this. It is a trip that you can enjoy by itself over a weekend, along with the rich history of Frederick, Maryland itself which was founded in 1745 by English and German settlers. Frederick is a crossroads of American History. You can discover its rich history by taking a selfguided walking tour ,which consists of over 20 points of Historical interest. Frederick is also a mecca for antiquing and specialty shopping. This destination can also be used as a side excursion and a must see, mid-point stop, while touring the local battlefields all within approx. 1 hour of Frederick. A stop at the museum during a battlfield tour, helps to complete ones understanding of what the soldiers experienced when they were wounded during this time period, and the sacrifice made by each and every one of them.

My suggestion while in Frederick, stay at the Travel Lodge which is conveniently located in the midst of all that Frederick has to offer, otherwise there are wonderful bed and breakfasts locally operated in the area also. You can log into the Museums website at www.civilwarmed.org for times, its address and special events. Happy traveling and discovering our rich American History!!!!!!!!!!

Filed under: Historical Travel suggestions by Savannah Meade