Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

All clear. The managing agency, the National Weather Service and wildfire reporting show no current alerts.

Overview

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.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Living History
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • First Person Interpretation
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Monocacy National Battlefield: The park grounds are open daily from 7:30 until 20 minutes after sunset.

Getting there

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.

Visitor centers

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)

Phone: 3016623515

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

The sun setting behind a monument.
14 New Jersey Regiment Monument · NPS Photo
Sun rise and fog behind the historic Secondary House on the Best Farm.
The Secondary House · NPS Photo
Smoke and fire erupt from an artillery piece as it is fired by Union soldiers.
Artillery Firing · NPS Photo
Small flags fly in the breeze in front of the visitor center.
Memorial Day Flag Display · NSP Photo
A cannon sits in a green field in front of a small white building, the sun is setting.
Cannon at the Best Farm · NPS Photo
Living history demonstrators dressed as Union soldiers fire small arms.
History Comes Alive at Monocacy · NPS Photo

Pair it with