Visit a Civil War battleground that commemorates the “battle that saved Washington D.C.” and see the exhibits or take a self-guided walking tour.
Monocacy National Battlefield is a protected reserve that commemorates the Battle of Monocacy, which took place on July 9, 1864 during the American Civil War. Explore the historic battleground and learn about one of the last Confederate battles held on Union territory. Take a walking tour to find out about different significant sites or investigate some of the native vegetation that flourishes on the battleground.
Enter the Visitor Centre on the west bank of the Monocacy River. The centre’s range of facilities are there to help you interpret the historic sites. Climb to the second floor to view a diorama of the battle and step onto the balcony to overlook the site today. Original artifacts from the battle are also displayed at the visitor centre.
During this pivotal battle, General Jubal Early was the leader of the south, while General Lew Wallace was fighting for the north. On the morning of July 9, Wallace placed troops at Monocacy Junction and a bridge over the Monocacy River as a means of blocking Early’s route to Washington. Early’s troops found another way across the river and a fierce battle took place. Explore the battlefield via the 6-mile (10-kilometre) driving route. Join a park ranger in the summer months or explore the trail at your own pace.
After an intense fight, Wallace and the Union troops were forced to retreat and the Confederates took the battlefield. However, the delays caused by Wallace to Early’s advance had allowed time for more Union reinforcements to reach Washington. Confederate forces could not take Washington and the troops were forced to withdraw into Maryland and eventually Virginia.
Follow one of the six walking tours to see the sites. The Thomas Farm and Worthington Farm loops show sections of the battlefield and highlight some of the region’s native plants.
The Monocacy National Battlefield is 3 miles (5 kilometres) south of Downtown Frederick. Reach the area by car or local bus. The reserve is open daily for free from early morning until sunset. The visitor centre is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
