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 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.
The Visitors Center offers an electric map orientation program, an interactive computer program, interpretive displays, and artifacts of the battle.
The visitor center is the starting point for a self-guided auto tour and 1/2 mile loop walking trail.
Monocacy National Battlefield also presents a series of living history programs throughout the year. These programs illustrate the Civil War era, the Battle of Monocacy Junction and give accounts of the men and woman whose contributions made Monocacy and the surrounding area a significant part of our national heritage.
Getting There:
Car - 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.
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