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.