Like many areas in Maryland, Frederick also played a part in the Civil War. Many areas and buildings were converted into places for soldiers to use and it was not uncommon to see soldiers throughout the state. While most civilians helped the soldiers, some did have conflicts due to political differences. One story in Frederick became infamous over a woman who risked her life to let her patriotic opinion be heard.
In 1862 the Confederate army passed through downtown Frederick. Legend goes as they passed by what is now the address of 154 West Patrick Street, an elderly woman named Barbara Fritchie stuck her head out her window and stated