On July 9, 1803, the Lewis and Clark Expedition left Frederick for the Pacific Ocean. On July 9, 1861, Confederates burned the wooden bridge over the Potomac River at Berlin (Brunswick). On July 9, 1864, George Blessing and his son defended their Myersville area farm against Rebel forces, making Mr. Blessing the "Hero of The Highlands." He was born February 15, 1794, and died December 19, 1873. On July 9, 1864, actions by 1st Lt. George E. Davis, Company D, 10th Vermont Infantry, in The Battle of Monocacy, were recognized with a Congressional Medal of Honor, which was awarded on May 27, 1892. He was born December 26, 1839, in Dunstable, Mass. On July 9, 1864, The Battle of Monocacy was fought at Frederick Junction just south of Frederick. On July 9, 1864, Confederate Gen. Jubal Early ransomed the City of Frederick for $200,000. On July 9, 1907, the first monument to be erected on the battlefield to those who fought in The Battle of Monocacy was dedicated to the members of the 14th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers in ceremonies conducted by the survivors of that unit. On July 9, 1914, a Confederate monument was erected on the Monocacy Battlefield. On July 9, 1964, the Maryland Monument was erected on the Monocacy Battlefield. On July 9, 1987, George B. Delaplaine Jr. gave the old Mountain City Mill property on South Carroll Street in Frederick City for use as an arts center, in exchange for 15 acres of vacant land on Gambrill Mountain west of Frederick. If anyone can add information to these History Moments, or would like to suggest an item for another calendar day, please contact me privately. John W. Ashbury (wasps65@earthlink.net)