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 2026 Event Information 

Date:   June 27, 2026
                                         

​Time:   10am to 5pm

Location:
Corbit's Charge Memorial
Court Place
​Westminster, MD 21157

2026 Event Schedule 

(Under Development)

Previous Year's Event Schedule

2025_corbits_charge_event_handout_2025.06.22.pdf
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Event Description

The Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table and other historical groups honor the Battle of Westminster aka "Corbit's Charge" which happened "just South of Gettysburg." This brief but significant fight within Westminster had major implications on the Gettysburg Campaign. This educational event is meant to raise awareness of the rich Civil War History which exists within Carroll County, Maryland and the role it held within the Civil War. 

Brief Summary of the Event
Each June, we commemorate the tragedy of war that took place on Westminster’s streets and within surrounding Carroll County, MD. This annual event creates an educational experience for visitors of all ages, with military demonstrations, Civil War arms and equipment, military drilling, children's activities and games, and presentations from historians. Guided tours of Westminster detailing historic landmarks and battle sites are featured at the event as well.

The paramount activity is a memorial service  held at the Corbit’s Charge Monument (Located at Court Place, by the Historic Courthouse). This service recognizes the sacrifice of the Civil War era civilians of Westminster as well as the soldiers of both the Union and Confederate Armies. This service concludes at the graveyard of Westminster’s Ascension Episcopal Church located at 23 N. Court St. with the laying of wreaths on the graves of 2 Civil War Veterans: 1st Lt. John Murray, Co. E 4th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate, killed during Corbit’s Charge) and Samuel Butler Co. C 32nd Inf. U.S.C.T. (Union).
                                                                       
So, please join the Pipe Creek Civil War Roundtable and fellow historical groups in attendance at the Corbit's Charge event to honor and commemorate the Civil War history in Carroll County, MD.

Support Local History!!!

If you would like to make a tax deductible gift to  support the Corbits Charge commemoration event, please click the button below!

I want to make a Gift!

We are a proud member of the Community Foundation of Carroll County ​

Pictures from Previous Events

Remembering the Past

Photos of previous Memorial Ceremonies and Graveside Services  at the event. 

The Memorial Ceremony is held at the Corbit's Charge Monument located at Court Place, Westminster, MD. It honors the legacy of everyone who was impacted by the Battle of Westminster

The Graveside Service is held in the Churchyard of the Ascension Church (24 N. Court St, Westminster) and honors Lt. John William Murray , 4th VA Cav., and Cpl. Samuel Butler of the 32nd U.S.C.T. Inf.  

Children's Activities

Photos of Children's Activities  held during previous events. 

The event hosts a number of hands-on children's activities including writing with a dip pen, sewing projects, Civil War Era games, learning about soldier life, and many others. The event has activities for visitors of all ages. 

The Corbit's Charge event has also  featured a Jr. Historian program, where youth visitors can complete activities and earn their Jr. Historian Badge. Since 2017, over 300 Jr. Historian Badges have been awarded. 

Artisans and Crafts Featured at events

Each event is known to feature local artisans, craftsmen, and experts showing off their skills at the event. 

We have had  The Silver Run Caner, The Log Cabin Caner, The Tin Man, The Homestead Forge, John Milleker Photography, Lambert's Carriage Company,  J.B. Bradley (Jacob Bush) Tailor, and many others  at previous events. 

Presentations and Historical Demonstrations

The Corbit's Charge Event is an educational experience. Visitors  witness   a variety of displays,  presentations, and   demonstrations on topics relating to Corbit's Charge , the Civil War, and Carroll County History. 

Military Demonstrations

Each event features a variety of military demonstrations ranging from tactics to camp life. They allow visitors to gain a glimpse into the lives of soldiers during the Civil War. 

These demonstrations are usually a highlight of the event and tend to draw a crowd. 

 

Tours of Westminster's Historic Sites

Each event features tours of the Corbit's Charge battle and Westminster's Historic Sites. Our guides are knowledgeable and enjoy teaching visitors about the history of the area. 

Music and Concerts

Music was a major  feature of life in the 1860's. Concerts and music in camp brought joy and happiness during a  difficult war. 

The Corbit's Charge event recognizes the importance of music during that time and  features music and concerts during the events . 

Many Thanks to Everyone who participates in the Event!!

Quotes from previous event attendees

"a great event and fun for everyone!  One of the best events of the year.  Thank you"  
​
"a grateful thank you for the invitation to join you  in recognition of the  Anniversary of Corbit's Charge.  It was an exciting event!"

"My husband and I attended events each of the  three days of the  Pipe Creek Civil War Event in June,  and we thought you did a very nice job. We attended the brass band concert on Friday night, the dance on Saturday night, and "Lincoln's" talk on the porch on Sunday.  We  like that the  event was held at the Emerald Hill mansion.  Just wanted to let you know  it was a nice event, say thank you, and we look forward to attending next year!" 

Additional Historical Information

A Brief History of Corbit's Charge

The quiet afternoon air of June 29, 1863 was suddenly shattered by the sounds of gunfire, the rattle of sabers, and the thunder of horses’ hooves. This battle featured 108 Union troopers from companies C and D of the 1st Delaware Cavalry clashing against the vanguard of 5,000 Confederate Cavalry troopers under command of J.E.B. Stuart. This brisk fight at the Junction of Washington Road and Main Street has been named Corbit’s Charge after Captain Charles Corbit who bravely led the Union troopers. Although the battle was a Confederate victory, this act of “suicidal bravery” on the part of the inexperienced and outnumbered Union troopers helped to impede J.E.B. Stuart’s ability to link up with the Confederate infantry in Pennsylvania. This was a contributing factor in the Union Victory at the battle of Gettysburg, PA.    

After “Corbit’s Charge,” Westminster became a major supply depot for the Union Army’s actions at the battle of Gettysburg. 10,000 Union soldiers were stationed there during the battle, and 7,000 Confederate prisoners were brought to Westminster following the battle of Gettysburg. In addition to the 1863 activity around Westminster, the Civil War also impacted the City of Westminster in 1862 during “Rosser’s Raid” and in 1864 during the “Gilmor Raid.”