Corbit's Charge facts for kids

Corbit's Charge was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on June 29, 1863, in Westminster, Maryland. This battle was between soldiers on horseback, called cavalry. One side was led by Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart. The other side was two groups from the 1st Delaware Cavalry.

This skirmish, also known as the Battle of Westminster, took place just before the big Battle of Gettysburg. Many people believe it caused General Stuart to arrive late at Gettysburg. This delay might have helped the Union forces win the Battle of Gettysburg.

Why This Battle Happened

General Stuart led three groups of Confederate cavalry. They had crossed the Potomac River and were moving north. Their goal was to reach Pennsylvania, staying east of the main Confederate army. They were following loose orders from Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Meanwhile, two companies (groups) of the 1st Delaware Cavalry were sent to Westminster. Their job was to guard the Western Maryland Railway. This railway junction was an important spot. The Delaware cavalry arrived in Westminster the day before the battle.

The Fight in Westminster

The Delaware cavalry companies had fewer than 100 men. Major Napoleon B. Knight was their leader. They arrived in Westminster without knowing Stuart's large force was coming. They set up camp near the edge of town.

The next day, some Union soldiers went to a stable. They needed to get new shoes for their horses. While they were there, the first Confederate cavalry arrived. The Confederates quickly captured these Union soldiers.

Major Knight was not there at that moment. So, Captain Charles Corbit took charge. He was one of the company commanders. Captain Corbit quickly gathered the remaining Union soldiers. He led them in a brave charge down Main Street.

They met Stuart's cavalry at an intersection. The Union soldiers were quickly defeated by the much larger Confederate force. Captain Corbit and another leader, Lieutenant Caleb Churchman, were captured. More than half of the Union soldiers were also captured. Two Union soldiers were killed, and 11 were hurt.

The Confederates also suffered losses. Two of their officers were killed. Ten more Confederate soldiers were wounded. One of the Confederate officers, Lt. John William Murray, is buried in a church graveyard in Westminster.

Why Corbit's Charge Mattered

This small battle made General Stuart's cavalry stay the night in Westminster. This delay was very important. It meant Stuart arrived late at Gettysburg. General Lee, the main Confederate commander, needed Stuart. He needed Stuart to gather information about where Union troops were moving.

Because Stuart was late, General Lee did not have this important information. This lack of information may have led Lee to decide to fight at Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg became a major turning point in the Civil War.

Remembering the Battle

Since 2003, the City of Westminster has held an event to remember Corbit's Charge. It takes place during the last weekend of June. This event has grown into a big festival.

It includes people who act out Civil War scenes. There are also demonstrations and museum tours. Visitors can enjoy musical concerts and other activities. It helps people remember this important moment in history.