It’s the 160th anniversary of that Civil War conflict.
Frederick, Md (KM) The 160th anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy is coming up, and there will be several activities to commemorate this event at the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitors Center at 5201 Urbana Pike, and the Thomas Farm at 4235 Baker Valley Road. They will take from Friday, July 5th to Sunday, July 7th.
Activities include ranger-led tours, a panel discussion in the evening, infantry and artillery demonstrations, a field hospital, Civil War-era music and battlefield hikes. All events are free.
The Battle of Monocacy took place on July 9th, 1864.. It’s considered “the Battle that saved Washington.” Even though it was a Confederate victory, Union forces stalled the advance of the Southern troops on their way to the Nation’s Capital. That gave the North enough time to put soldiers in place to prevent the Confederate from marching on Washington.
Battle Anniversary Weekend
July 5-7, 2024Join us for the commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy, the battle that saved Washington, DC! All weekend, explore the battlefield through hikes, talks, demonstrations, and more! Check our event calendar for a complete listing of all the activities, times and locations.  NPS / Jason Martz (2014) Friday July 5:10 am – Ranger-led car caravan tour departs from the visitor center. 1:30 pm – Ranger-led car caravan tour departs from the visitor center. 7 pm – Monocacy National Battlefield 160th Commemoration Panel at the Municipal Annex Building – 140 W. Patrick Street, Conference Room C, Frederick, MD. Saturday July 6:9 am – Worthington Farm and Thomas Farm Hikes. These two hikes depart simultaneously from two locations. Choose a hike and maybe you’ll spot the other hiking group from across the battlefield! 11am – Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm 12pm – Artillery Demonstration at Visitor Center 1 pm – Fort Stevens Talk at Visitor Center 2 pm – Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm 3 pm – Artillery Demonstration at Visitor Center 4 pm – Best Farm to 14th New Jersey Monument Hike Sunday July 7:8 am – Jug Bridge Hike (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) – Meet at Maryland National Guard Readiness Center: 8501 Old National Pike, Frederick, MD 21701 11 am – Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm 12 pm – Artillery Demonstration at Visitor Center 1 pm – Orientation Program at Visitor Center 2 pm – Infantry Demonstration at Thomas Farm 3 pm – Artillery Demonstration at Visitor Center 4 pm – Retreat From Battle Hike at Gambrill Mill |
By Kevin McManus