Marye (horse) facts for kids
| Species | Horse |
|---|---|
| Sex | Mare |
| Died | 1864 |
| Occupation | warhorse |
| Employer |  United States Army Confederate States Army |
Marye was a brave warhorse who played a part in the American Civil War. She first served with the United States Army. Later, she was captured and joined the Confederate States army.
Contents
Marye's Military Journey
Serving the United States Army
Marye's early life is a mystery. We don't know her first name or who her first owner was. She was a warhorse for the United States Army during the American Civil War. In 1862, she fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg.
During this battle, the United States Army attacked strong Confederate positions at a place called Marye's Heights. Marye's rider was shot off her back. The horse then galloped right into the Confederate lines. Soldiers from a Georgia brigade, part of the Army of Northern Virginia, captured her. They brought her to their commander, General John Brown Gordon. His own horse had just become too tired to continue.
After the fighting ended, Marye was officially given to the army's Quartermaster. However, the Georgia soldiers bought her back. They then gave her to General Gordon as a special gift.
Serving the Confederate States Army
General Gordon named the horse Marye. He chose this name to honor the place where she was captured. He truly valued Marye because she was a gift from his soldiers.
Gordon used Marye as his main horse in battles. She served him until 1864. Sadly, Marye was killed during the Battle of Monocacy. She died from gunfire while in action.
Marye's Special Qualities
General Gordon described Marye as a unique horse. Normally, she was quite slow. But when a battle began, she would completely change. She became an amazing warhorse.
Marye was very brave and fearless in combat. Gordon said she would "with its head up and its nostrils distended, bound across ditches and over fences." He believed Marye was "the most superb battlehorse that it was my fortune to mount during the war."
Marye's Legacy
In 1907, a statue was unveiled at the Georgia State Capitol. This statue, created by Solon Borglum, shows General Gordon riding Marye. It serves as a lasting reminder of both the general and his brave warhorse.
