Monocacy National Battlefield

Battle Sites, Historical Sites, Battle Sites, Historical SitesScenic Drives and TrailsFrederick, MA

Known as the "Battle That Saved Washington", the battle of Monocacy in 1864 between 18,000 Confederate forces under General Jubal Early, and 5,800 Union forces under General Lew Wallace, marked the last campaign of the Confederacy to carry the war into the north.

One of the objectives of this campaign was to capture Washington, D.C. Although the battle ended in the retreat of General Lew Wallace's Union forces at heavy costs, it bought the necessary time for a successful defense of Washington. The Battle of Monocacy is the only Confederate victory on Union soil. Within the battlefield, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Vermont and the United Daughters of the Confederacy have erected monuments honor those who fought in the battle.

The battlefield comprises over 1,600 acres of farmland, forest and riparian areas. A 6-mile self-guided auto tour gives visitors an overview of key locations where the Battle of Monocacy was fought. Five walking trails located along the driving tour route provide visitors the opportunity to explore historic battle-related sites and the area's early settlement or just enjoy a scenic nature walk.

Monocacy National Battlefield

5201 Urbana Pike
Frederick, MD 21704

Frederick County, MD
301-662-3515

TOUR INFO

The Visitor Center has free auto tour brochures; walking trail brochures are available for a nominal fee. Interactive, multimedia exhibits include numerous vignettes which take the visitor to important locations related to the Battle as well as electronic maps, historical artifacts and interpretive displays of the Battle of Monocacy. Rangers and volunteers are available to answer questions. Interpretive programs vary throughout the year.

MORE ABOUT THE AREA

Frederick, MD — The city of Frederick is the county seat of Frederick County, the largest county by area in the state of Maryland. The city of Frederick witnessed a steady stream of Northern and Southern soldiers and…

LOCAL TOURISM REFERENCES

Tourism Council of Frederick County, Inc.
151 S. East Church St. Frederick, MD 21701
301 228-2888 or 800 999-3613
www.fredericktourism.org