(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) spoke on the Senate floor about how Brookville native Gen. Lew Wallace saved Washington D.C. 160 years ago this week during the Battle of Monocacy.
Young said Wallace gathered a few thousand Union soldiers at the Monocacy River in Maryland and battled more 15,000 Confederate troops under Gen. Jubal Early who were trying to invade the nation’s capital.
He noted Monocacy is hardly mentioned as one of the Civil War’s consequential battles.
“But today (Tuesday), on its 160th anniversary, we reflect on its importance. Had Early’s men taken the capital, however briefly, the humiliation could have persuaded a war weary population to dismiss (President Abraham) Lincoln,” Young said. “What then would be the fate of the 13th Amendment or the eventual terms of peace?”
Wallace’s forces ultimately delayed the Rebels long enough to prevent the attack on Washington.
“Because of Wallace’s resolve, and his men’s bravery, the questions went unanswered. Lincoln was reelected. The following January, the 13th Amendment, to forever end slavery, passed Congress. The war was over by April and the Union preserved,” said Young.
Wallace later wrote the novel Ben Hur.
“When it comes to words, Wallace will always be best known for Ben Hur. But the message he forwarded to Washington after the Battle of Monocacy, is timeless too,” said Young. “It should inspire us still, a reminder that rising to our duty, no matter the odds or even outcome, can change history: ‘I did as I promised. Held the bridge to the last.’”
The auditorium at Franklin County High School is named in his honor.
To watch Senator Young’s floor speech, click here.
