In the summer of 1864 a Confederate army stood once more on the embattled soil of Maryland, determined to take the war to the gates of Washington, D.C. and reverse the fortunes of the Confederacy.   A small Union force stood together along the banks of the Monocacy River to oppose this Confederate advance.  These defenders were just as determined that the Confederates would not reach the capital; at least not until Union troops could reinforce the Washington defenses.   Out-manned and out-gunned Union forces conducted a day-long delaying action at Monocacy Junction before retreating.  The Battle of Monocacy was the only Confederate victory on Union soil, but the day’s delay cost the Confederates their chance to seize the ultimate prize of Washington, D.C.

Explore the battlefield and discover how the battle unfolded!   National Park Service rangers will conduct three hikes taking visitors to three different areas of the battlefield, highlighting the events that transpired on July 9, 1864. 

All hikes are FREE and cover a distance of less than two miles each.  Allow a maximum of two hours per each hike.  Appropriate clothing and footgear for walking is recommended and participants should bring their own water.  Each battlefield hike will begin at the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, located on Maryland State Route 355, two miles south of Frederick, Maryland. 

Hikes are scheduled at 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  Interested parties are required to register in advance as space is limited.  For additional information or to register call 301-662-3515.