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.

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.

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

Cannon at the Best Farm

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

History Comes Alive at Monocacy

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

The Worthington House

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

14 New Jersey Regiment Monument

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

The Secondary House

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

Memorial Day Flag Display

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

Artillery Firing

Monocacy National Battlefield

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a
chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way.
Start your journey here!

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!

Bird's eye view of the park

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Bird's eye view of the campground

Hunts

Sweet Run State Park

At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home
of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore
John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your connection to the struggle for
freedom, education, and civil rights at Storer College. Discover miles of
trail in the Blue Ridge and along Civil War battlefields.

At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your connection to the struggle for freedom, education, and civil rights at Storer College. Discover miles of trail in the Blue Ridge and along Civil War battlefields.

Monocacy National Battlefield

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Nearby Parks

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Sweet Run State Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park