Monocacy
National Battlefield

Known as the "Battle That Saved Washington", the battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864 between 18,000 Confederate forces under General Jubal Early, and 5,800 Union forces under General Lew Wallace, marked the last campaign of the Confederacy to carry the war into the north. One of the objectives of this campaign was to capture Washington, D.C. Although this battle was a military victory for the Confederates, it was also a defeat. Time spent for battle cost the Confederates a day's delay in marching on the federal capital. General Lew Wallace's defense along the Monocacy bought critical time to allow Washington to be reinforced. Early's raid would be thwarted and the war would be taken to the south for the rest of the war.

Visit Our Expanded Web Pages and Visit in person this year for the 135 Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy

VISITATION:
Highest in June, July, and August, lowest in January and February.

LOCATION:
Frederick, Maryland

ADDRESS:
Monocacy National Battlefield
4801 Urbana Pike
Frederick, MD 21701

TELEPHONE:
(301) 662-3515

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Gambrill Mill Visitor Center Open daily April 1 through October 31 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (extended to 5:30 p.m. on weekends, Memorial Day - Labor Day). Open Wednesday through Sunday, November 1 through March 31from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

DIRECTIONS:
From the North, East, or West use I-70, take Exit 54 (Market Street), then turn south on Maryland Route 355. The Gambrill Mill Visitor Center is located one-tenth of a mile south of the Monocacy River bridge.

From the South use I-270, take Exit 26 (Urbana). Turn left onto Rt. 80 and proceed two-tenths of a mile to stop sign. Turn left onto Rt. 355 North. The Gambrill Mill Visitor Center is located 3.7 miles north on Rt. 355.

TRANSPORTATION:
Personal vehicle.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
No admission fees.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Exhibit area located in Gambrill Mill visitor center includes electric map orientation program, interactive computer program, artifacts and interpretive displays of the battle.

Trails, Roads:
No formal trails through the battlefield are available at this time. Route 355 and Araby Church Road allow for access of the battlefield by car and offer opportunity to stop at five monuments located on the field.

Programs/Activities:
Programs vary throughout the year. Programs are offered by rangers and at special events in coordination with Living History volunteers.

Lodging and camping facilities:
Amenities are available in and around the Frederick area.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Parks and History Association operates a small bookstore in Gambrill Mill Visitor Center.

Accessibility:
The Gambrill Mill Visitor Center is handicap accessible for wheelchairs. The electric map has a written script for those hearing impaired.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Stop at visitor center for park folder and directions on battlefield accessibility. View electric map orientation program and exhibits before visiting battlefield. Attendance at ranger programs and special event programs when available strongly suggested to enhance visit.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Off-site programs available by request.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Frederick Maryland is rich not only in Civil War history, but Revolutionary history as well. Walking tours of the downtown historic district are available through the tourism council of Frederick County. Also nearby: Antietam National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Gettysburg National Military Park.

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Last Updated:Wednesday, 17-Feb-99 18:27:56
http://www.nps.gov/mono/