Thomas
Farm
The Thomas Farm, currently in private ownership, has always been a landmark in Frederick County. Built in 1780 by James Marshall, the prominent home South of Frederick was named "Araby" after a tract of land in Scotland. Still retaining its original name today, the property is also known as the "Thomas Farm", reflecting the name of the Civil War residents.
Throughout the Civil War, the Thomas Farm was witness to armies of both sides moving through the Frederick City area. The Winter of 1862-63 was spent pleasantly by the Thomas family in getting to know members of the 14th New Jersey, whose duty it was to guard the nearby Monocacy Junction.
In June of 1863, Major General Winfield Scott Hancock established his headquarters at the Thomas home for three days while the federal army marched north toward Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
During the Battle of Monocacy, on July 9th, 1864, the Thomas Farm was scene of some of the heaviest fighting on the day. Caught between Union and Confederate lines, the house and outbuildings were captured and recaptured by both armies several times.
Confederate artillery posted at the nearby Worthington Farm proved responsible for severe damage to the house in an attempt to dislodge Federal sharpshooters. Mr. Thomas and his family remained in the home during the battle, taking refuge in the Cellar.
In August of 1864, yet another visitor arrived at "Araby". Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant stayed with the Thomas family and used their home to hold a "Council of War". During that council, Grant confirmed with General Phil Sheridan a plan to finally secure and then destroy the Shenandoah Valley; a plan that that Sheridan carried out in the fall of 1864.
