Hessian Barracks

This former barracks and prison served throughout the war as a hospital for the North and the South.

The Hessian Barracks are generally assumed to have been built in 1777, though several local historians contend that they were built earlier, during the French & Indian War. They served as a prison during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, as well as holding French prisoners captured from ships during America’s undeclared war with France at the end of the 18th century. Just prior to the Civil War, the barracks were used as a meeting place for Frederick’s Home Guard. Soon after the war began, the remaining two buildings and the grounds were designated as a Union Military Hospital.  As casualties mounted from nearby battles, new buildings were added and the hospital became one of the largest military hospitals in the country.  The hospital remained in operation until the end of the war. The hospital was of great importance especially during the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam, caring for wounded soldiers from both the Union and the Confederacy.