Monocacy National Battlefield

The monument recognizes the sacrifices of the "Monocacy Regiment."
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.
Map showing location of park.
Two Civil War-era cannons sit on a grassy field at Monocacy National Battlefield, with a white farmhouse in the background.
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.
A stone monument in front of a grass field at Monocacy National Battlefield.
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.
Children hold hands as they roller skate around the rink at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion during the park’s Late Skate program in Washington, D.C., on June 28, 2025.
Celebrate America’s Story in the National Capital Area During National Park Week, August 22-30
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.
Entrance sign for Monocacy National Battlefield beside a grassy field, with the visitor center and tree-covered hills in the background
Monocacy National Battlefield Brings “The Battle That Saved Washington” To Life
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.
Several colorful displays about a Civil War battle are arrayed under a barn roof.
Monocacy National Battlefield Opens Redesigned Museum
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, stories, and artifacts at Monocacy National Battlefield’s redesigned museum. The park will dedicate the new museum at a grand opening ceremony where everyone can learn how the battle there, shaped American history. The event takes place at the park’s visitor center on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Federal style house with trees behind it during the fall season.
Photo by NPS Photo
The sun setting behind a monument.
Photo by NPS Photo
Sun rise and fog behind the historic Secondary House on the Best Farm.
Photo by NPS Photo
Smoke and fire erupt from an artillery piece as it is fired by Union soldiers.
Photo by NPS Photo
Small flags fly in the breeze in front of the visitor center.
Photo by NSP Photo
A cannon sits in a green field in front of a small white building, the sun is setting.
Photo by NPS Photo
Living history demonstrators dressed as Union soldiers fire small arms.
Photo by NPS Photo