Monocacy National Battlefield


During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan to turn the tide of the Civil War in their favor. They planned to capture Washington, DC and influence the election of 1864. On July 9, however, Federal soldiers outnumbered three to one, fought gallantly along the banks of the Monocacy River in an effort to buy time for Union reinforcement to arrive in Washington, DC.

From the North (U.S. 15) or West (Hagerstown): Use I-70 east and take Exit 54. Bear right then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the left. From the East (Baltimore): Use I-70 west and take Exit 54. Bear left then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the left. From the South (Washington): Use I-270 north to I-70 east and take Exit 54. Bear right then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the the left.

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Living History
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • First Person Interpretation
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

  • African American Heritage
  • Archeology
  • Enslavement
  • Incarceration
  • Industry
  • Mills
  • Military
  • Infantry and Militia
  • US Army
  • Battlefields
  • Monuments and Memorials
  • Presidents
  • Transportation
  • Trains and Railroads
  • Tragic Events
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Civil War
  • Animals

The Worthington House

Federal style house with trees behind it during the fall season.

The Worthington House is one of the most iconic locations on the battlefield.

14 New Jersey Regiment Monument

The sun setting behind a monument.

The monument recognizes the sacrifices of the "Monocacy Regiment."

The Secondary House

Sun rise and fog behind the historic Secondary House on the Best Farm.

Built in the 1790s this house was one of the first structures in the park.

Artillery Firing

Smoke and fire erupt from an artillery piece as it is fired by Union soldiers.

Union soldiers fire an artillery piece in commemoration of the battle.

Memorial Day Flag Display

Small flags fly in the breeze in front of the visitor center.

2,300 Union and Confederate National Flags are set out to commemorate the Battle of Monocacy casualties.

Cannon at the Best Farm

A cannon sits in a green field in front of a small white building, the sun is setting.

Confederate artillery used the fields of the Best Farm to stage their attack on Union forces across the river.

History Comes Alive at Monocacy

Living history demonstrators dressed as Union soldiers fire small arms.

Living history volunteers bring the past to the present through demonstrating small arms firing at Monocacy.