Monocacy National Battlefield

National Battlefield · MD · nps.gov page

Federal style house with trees behind it during the fall season. — The Worthington House is one of the most iconic locations on the battlefield.Photo: NPS Photo

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.

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News

Find Your Fall: Explore National Parks Across the Greater Capital Region 2026-09-22
You don’t have to travel far to find spectacular fall color. National parks across the Washington, D.C., region offer countless ways to experience autumn, from mountain trails and Potomac River views to historic battlefields, urban forests and the National Mall.
National Parks Across the National Capital Area Bring America’s Military History to Life 2026-09-04
As the nation continues to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the National Park Service sites across the National Capital Area are inviting visitors to explore the region’s rich military history and the people and events that shaped the country. Throughout September, living history programs, artillery demonstrations, ranger-guided hikes and other events will connect visitors with stories spanning from 1775 through World War II.
New Monument Trail Invites Visitors to Walk the Ground Where Federal Soldiers Lost the Battle but Helped Win the War 2026-08-24
Monocacy National Battlefield is marking America in Motion Monday and the 2026 National Park Week with the opening of a new one-mile Monument Trail at Thomas Farm. The trail gives visitors another way to explore the landscape where some of the fiercest fighting of the Battle of Monocacy unfolded on July 9, 1864.
Celebrate America’s Story in the National Capital Area During National Park Week, August 22-30 2026-08-21
The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
Monocacy National Battlefield Brings “The Battle That Saved Washington” To Life 2026-07-01
Walk the ground where a small Federal force helped save the nation’s capital. Monocacy National Battlefield will commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Monocacy with four days of free public programs July 9-12.

Photos

The sun setting behind a monument. — The monument recognizes the sacrifices of the "Monocacy Regiment."Photo: NPS Photo

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.Photo: NPS Photo

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.Photo: NPS Photo

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.Photo: NSP Photo

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.Photo: NPS Photo

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.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.