Monocacy National Battlefield - National Park Directory

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photos: National Park Service

About 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.

Quick Facts

State Maryland

Designation National Battlefield

State Code MD

Weather Spring (March - May) Temperatures: Average high is 67 degrees with a low of 53 degrees Summer (June - August) Temperatures: Average high is 87 degrees with a low of…

Location & Map

Monocacy National Battlefield is located in Maryland.

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Operating Hours

The park grounds are open daily from 7:30 until 20 minutes after sunset.

Wednesday 7:30AM - Sunset

Monday 7:30AM - Sunset

Thursday 7:30AM - Sunset

Sunday 7:30AM - Sunset

Tuesday 7:30AM - Sunset

Friday 7:30AM - Sunset

Saturday 7:30AM - Sunset

Activities

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

Getting There

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704

Phone 3016623515

Email mono_mail@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

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

Things To Do

Ignite your Imagination at Monocacy National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield encompasses several centuries of history, which reflect events of both national and local significance.

Picnicking At Monocacy

Add a picnic to your exploration of the battlefield. Monocacy National Battlefield has picnic tables at several locations throughout the…

Picnicking at Monocacy is BYOB and TYOT [Bring your own food and take your own trash].

Hikes at the Worthington Farm

Take a hike at Worthington Farm! Three trails at Worthington Farm provide options for exploring.

The three trails are dirt paths that lead through woods and have elevation changes.

Hike The Thomas Farm Trail

Take a hike at Thomas Farm! Two trails at the Thomas Farm provide options for exploring.

These are easy/moderate hiking trails. The surface varies between a gravel farm lane and dirt paths that vary in width.

Explore L'Hermitage

Explore the late 18th century slave plantation known as L'Hermitage.

Explore the landscape of L'Hermitage that is hidden in plain site on the Best Farm. Investigate the remaining 18th century…

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

A bookstore, public restrooms, and an interactive museum are located within the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m.…

Hours: The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For additional information, please contact the Visitor Center at 301-662-3515.

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