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National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield

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

About

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.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingFront-Country HikingLiving HistoryHistoric Weapons DemonstrationFirst Person InterpretationPaddlingCanoeingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Directions

From the North (U.S. 15) or West (Hagerstown): Use I-70 east and take Exit 54. Bear right then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the left. From the East (Baltimore): Use I-70 west and take Exit 54. Bear left then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the left. From the South (Washington): Use I-270 north to I-70 east and take Exit 54. Bear right then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the the left.

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Weather

Spring (March - May) Temperatures: Average high is 67 degrees with a low of 53 degrees Summer (June - August) Temperatures: Average high is 87 degrees with a low of 65 degrees Fall (September - November) Temperatures: Average high is 68 degrees with a low of 48 degrees Winter (December - February) Temperatures: Average high is 45 degrees with a low of 27 degrees (Source: www.usclimatedata.com)

News

Find Your Fall: Explore National Parks Across the Greater Capital Region
Sep 22, 2026

Find Your Fall: Explore National Parks Across the Greater Capital Region

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
Sep 4, 2026

National Parks Across the National Capital Area Bring America’s Military History to Life

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
Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Aug 24, 2026

New Monument Trail Invites Visitors to Walk the Ground Where Federal Soldiers Lost the Battle but Helped Win the War

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.