Place

Worthington Farm

Monocacy National Battlefield

a farm at the end of a long curving road
Worthington Farm

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts
Location:
Frederick, Maryland
Significance:
Battle of Monocacy, Confederate Battle line
Designation:
National Battlefield, National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmark

Audio Description, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

Constructed ca. 1851 by Griffin Taylor, a wealthy Frederick County agriculturist, the Worthington House is typical of the farmhouses favored by substantial farmers in Frederick County. Originally known as "Clifton Farm," the house and surrounding 300 acres adjacent to the Monocacy River were sold to John T. Worthington in 1862. Renaming his new property "Riverside Drive and Farm," John Worthington enjoyed success in farming until his death in 1905. The farm remained in the Worthington family until 1953. 

During the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864, Confederate troops crossed the Monocacy River via a ford onto the Worthington Farm. From the farm fields, the Confederates initiated three advances toward the Union line positioned at the neighboring Thomas Farm. 

These actions resulted in heavy casualties. The Worthington House and yard were subsequently used as a field hospital. A Confederate artillery piece unlimbered in the front yard during the battle provided an amusing aside to the horrific fighting: every time the gun fired, the Worthington's rooster would crow! 

As the battle raged throughout the day, John Worthington and his family took refuge in the cellar of the house. Although the cellar windows had been boarded up prior to the battle, six-year-old Glenn Worthington was able to observe the action. Impressed with a scene that was forever etched in his memory, Glenn Worthington grew up to write a history of the battle called Fighting for Time. Published in 1932, the book remains an excellent eye-witness account of "the Battle that Saved Washington." 

Today visitors may enjoy the scenic views or hiking on the Ford Loop or the Brooks Hill trails.

The Worthington Farm
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      Confederate cavalry crossed at a ford along the Monocacy River, moved across the fields of the Worthington House and moved to attack the Union line at the Thomas Farm. This was all occurring under the watchful eye of 6-year-old Glenn Worthington.

      Worthington House - 360° photos
      Photo Gallery

      Worthington House - 360° photo...

      13 Images

      360° photos of the historic Worthington House at Monocacy National Battlefield. The house is closed to public access, so this is a rare look at the house's interior.

      Worthington Farm at Monocacy National Battlefield
      Photo Gallery

      Worthington Farm at Monocacy N...

      7 Images

      Images of Worthington Farm (Clifton) cultural landscape at Monocacy National Battlefield in Maryland

      Worthington House - Details
      Photo Gallery

      Worthington House - Details

      7 Images

      Details of Worthington House features.

      Worthington Farm
      Photo Gallery

      Worthington Farm

      13 Images

      Worthington Farm (Clifton) cultural landscape, part of Monocacy National Battlefield in Maryland

      Worthington House Restoration
      Photo Gallery

      Worthington House Restoration

      5 Images

      Last updated: October 10, 2024