In the spring of 1861 Francis Thomas, former governor of Maryland, put out a call for the creation of a “Home Brigade” to defend western Maryland from rebel incursions. Three regiments of infantry and one of cavalry were raised, and these men spent much of the war guarding the vital transportation networks that ran through Maryland and West Virginia. Their war was primarily a guerilla war, though occasionally the Home Brigade would be called into more active service when Confederates crossed the Potomac. From the beginning the Home Brigade was also a refuge for numerous Virginia Unionists driven from their homes. 

MHAA Public Programs Coordinator Travis Shaw will examine these Virginians in Union service by exploring the recruiting of these refugees, their motivations, and their combat experiences.

This program is part of the joint MHAA-NOVA Parks "Conversations in History" series. Admission fees are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door.