Frietchie, << FREECH ee, >> Barbara, is the name of a woman who supposedly acted bravely to protect the Union flag against Confederate troops in 1862. The incident is known chiefly because it was dramatized in John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem, “Barbara Frietchie” (1863). It tells of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson leading his troops through Frederick, Maryland, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). When Jackson ordered the Union flag shot down, Barbara Frietchie restored it instantly:
“Shoot if you must this old grey head, But spare your country’s flag,” she said.
The 90-year old woman’s patriotic bravery embarrassed Jackson, who replied with the order:
“Who touches a hair of yon grey head, Dies like a dog! March on!” he said.
The incident may have actually happened, since a woman named Barbara Fritchie (1766-1862) lived in Frederick. A reproduction of her home stands on the supposed site of the incident (see Maryland (Places to visit)).
