Plan a visit to Monocacy National Battlefield

Initially established as a National Military Park in 1934, Monocacy National Battlefield commemorates “The Battle That Saved Washington,” fought on July 9, 1864. The park consists of six historic properties covering 1,647 acres. Here are just a few reasons to visit Monocacy National Battlefield this year.

EARTH DAY & PARK DAY

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22 at the Visitor Center

Celebrate Earth Day and Park Day at Monocacy National Battlefield. This event invites guests to volunteer alongside National Park Service employees to complete maintenance and cleanup projects. Join in and help preserve and improve the natural and cultural resources at Monocacy National Battlefield.

JUNETEENTH: FROM ENSLAVED TO EMANCIPATED

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 17 at Best Farm, 5106 Urbana Pike Rangers at Monocacy National Battlefield will host a guided, 1.5-hour,

1-mile hike that will follow the journey of freedom for those who were enslaved on the farms that make up Monocacy National Battlefield. Learn about those who found freedom through escape, court rulings and the ratification of Maryland’s constitution in 1864, which abolished slavery in the state.

This hike will also pass Monocacy Junction where US Colored Troops were recruited, where hikers will learn about those who gained their freedom by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Hiking shoes, sun and bug protection, as well as drinking water are recommended for this program.

159TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF MONOCACY TOUR (CARAVAN STYLE)

1 to 3:30 p.m. July 7 at the Visitor Center

Join rangers at Monocacy National Battlefield for a guided driving tour. Travel back to 1864 and the Battle of Monocacy, while listening to the personal experiences of both soldiers and civilians on that hot and violent day, and walk in the footsteps of those who fought valiantly to safeguard their homes and country. This fivestop driving tour will cover the battle chronologically.

159th Anniversary Of The Battle Of Monocacy Commemoration Weekend

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 8 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 9 at the Visitor Center Commemorate the 159th anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy, aka “The Battle That Saved Washington,” with events that include special ranger programs, along with military living history demonstrations and exhibits. Guests can also attend firing demonstrations by infantry and artillery throughout the day.

Artillery Living History Demonstration

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Visitor Center

Step into the life of a soldier at

Monocacy National Battlefield and experience the thunderous roar of artillery. Living history volunteers and rangers will demonstrate the firing of Civil War era artillery. This unique soundscape will showcase different kinds of artillery and will help guests envision life as an artillerist during the Civil War.

National Public Lands Day

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Visitor Center

Monocacy National Battlefield invites guests to a National Public Lands Day event. This event welcomes volunteers to help keep the park beautiful and clean. Work with park rangers to help preserve Monocacy National Battlefield for future generations.

The Visitor Center is located at 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick. Dates and times and are subject to change. Find Monocacy National Battlefield on Facebook @monocacynps for updates and additional information. For more information, visit nps.gov/mono, or call 301-662-3515.