Monocacy National Battlefield

Address:4801 Urbana Pike
Frederick, Maryland
Tel: (301) 662-3515

The battle that saved Washington is forever remembered at the Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick, Maryland, the site of the Battle of Monocacy Junction, the last battle of the Civil War to take place in Union territory. Today, the Monocacy National Battlefield offers auto tours, walking trails, and beautiful scenery to fascinate visitors.

In July 1864, Confederate forces led by General Jubal Early, attacked a group of Union soldiers under the command of Lew Wallace at Monocacy Junction. Although Wallace suffered nearly twice as many casualties as Early, the sacrifice of his men prevented Early from conquering Washington. In the late 1970s, sections of the privately-owned Monocacy Battlefield were designated as the Monocacy National Battlefield.

The visitor center at the Monocacy National Battlefield hosts multimedia and historical exhibits, including electronic maps of the battlefield. A six-mile self-guided auto tour of the site follows the public roadway system and gives visitors an overview of key locations from the battle. The site also contains a variety of walking trails, including the one-half-mile Gambrill Mill trail, with wonderful scenic views of the site, the Ford Loop, which interprets key events from the battle, and the Middle Ford Ferry Loop, which explores the early settlement of the area. After a visit to the Monocacy National Battlefield, visitors can find plenty of restaurants in the area, including Mediterranean cuisine and pizza.

To get to the Monocacy National Battlefield, take I-70 to exit 54, then turn south onto Maryland Route 355.