Monocacy National Battlefield
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Monocacy National Battlefield is located in Frederick County, Maryland and is a historical site that played a significant role in the American Civil War.
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Summary
Although not located in Virginia, it is close enough to many popular tourist destinations in Virginia, including Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
One of the main reasons to visit Monocacy National Battlefield is to learn about the Civil War, specifically the Battle of Monocacy, which took place in 1864. The battlefield offers visitors the opportunity to explore the grounds and learn about the battle through exhibits and ranger-led programs.
Some specific points of interest to see at the battlefield include the Visitor Center, the Best Farm, the Worthington Farm, and the Thomas Farm. The Visitor Center has a museum with exhibits that give visitors an overview of the battle and its significance. The Best Farm is where the battle began and visitors can see a farmstead that has been restored to its 1864 appearance. The Worthington Farm was used as a Confederate field hospital, and the Thomas Farm was used as a Union headquarters.
One interesting fact about the battlefield is that it was the site of the "Battle That Saved Washington." The Union victory at Monocacy delayed General Jubal Early's advance on Washington D.C. by a day, giving Union forces time to prepare for the defense of the city.
The best time of year to visit Monocacy National Battlefield is during the spring and fall. The weather is mild, and the park offers ranger-led programs and special events during these seasons. The summer months can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy, making it less comfortable to explore the grounds.
In conclusion, Monocacy National Battlefield is a historical site that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the Civil War and the Battle of Monocacy. There are several points of interest to see, including the Visitor Center, the Best Farm, the Worthington Farm, and the Thomas Farm. The battlefield played a significant role in the Civil War and is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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