On August 17, 1781, Casper Fritchie, Peter Sueman and Yost Plecker were hanged for treason at the rear of the Tory Jail on East Second Street in Frederick. Four others, who were convicted and sentenced with this trio, were pardoned by Maryland Governor Thomas Sim Lee. On August 17, 1849, Col. John Thomas, father of Francis Thomas, a former governor of Maryland, died at his Petersville home. On August 17, 1861, the Hessian Barracks were designated as Union Military General Hospital #1 for the duration of The Civil War. It opened on March 1, 1862. On August 17, 1911, a unique fountain was unveiled at West Church Street and North Court Street (the southwest corner in front of The Cramer Building) in Frederick in honor of Marie Diehl, who organized the Frederick Chapter of The Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It was struck during a vehicle accident years later and the upper part has been preserved at The Steiner House on West Patrick Street. On August 17, 1972, Fredericktowne Mall opened with special ceremonies conducted with Richard Nixon look-a-like Richard M. Dixon as master of ceremonies. 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 [email protected]