Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation

08/05/2026

Following Washington, D.C.’s narrow escape brush July 11-12, 1864 from Lieutenant-General Jubal Early’s advancing Confederate army, and that army’s July 30 burning of Chambersburg, PA, Union General-in-Chief U.S. Grant’s felt he had no recourse other than to shake-up his top military leaders. This led to the appointment of Major-General Philip H. Sheridan as head of the U.S. Middle Military Division and its Army of the Shenandoah.

On this day, August 6, 1864, Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant was staying with the Thomas family at Monocacy and used their home to hold a "council of war." Grant had ordered Sheridan to meet with him there and during their meeting that day, Grant confirmed with General Sheridan a plan to destroy Confederate resistance in the Shenandoah in order to secure the region, prevent its harvests from feeding Confederate armies, and preclude its use as a diversionary theater of war.

The stage was set for the Shenandoah Valley Campaign – a series of battles which tipped the scales of victory sharply in favor of the Federal Government during the Fall of 1864, and helped assure the reelection of Abraham Lincoln to his final, fatal term as President of the United States of America.

07/31/2026

Join us as we celebrate World Ranger Day at the Monocacy National Battlefield visitor center from 12-4. This family-friendly, hands-on event will include meet and greets with Park Rangers from across the state and region. Displays of equipment, vehicles, and other exhibits. As well as games, activities and crafts!

07/27/2026

HOT OFF THE PRESS! Volume 9 Issue 2 (Summer 2026) of our newsletter, The Dispatch.

Consider making a donation like those that helped make The Battle of Jug Bridge wayside a reality @ https://monocacynbfoundation.org/donate/.

07/24/2026

What’s new in town? A brand new CWT wayside dedicated to the Battle of Jug Bridge. That’s Chris Brown from CWT, who in our collaboration along with MDOT-SHA, is sharing a glimpse of the sign before installation this morning.

Location: 8400A E. Patrick St. off MD 144 in the commuter lot. Look for the CWT trailblazer sign!

07/21/2026

Faces of Monocacy: Pvt. Geo. McClung.

In the Anatomical Collection of the National Museum of Health and Medicine, is the left scapula and humerus of Pvt. Geo. McClung, Company K, 14th Virginia Cavalry. McClung suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder at the Battle of Monocacy and was subsequently captured. He was admitted to USA General Hospital in Frederick on July 10, 1864. He died on August 11, 1864 as a result of his injury and is interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery (Area M Lot 539).

07/18/2026

18 JULY 1863 - 54TH MASSACHUSETTS ATTACK FORT WAGNER

Some of the 54th Mass were recruited at Monocacy Junction, a designated USCT recruiting station. An example was Warner (Warren) Ryan, who volunteered on March 19, 1863 for Company D of the 54th
Mass. He survived the battle at Fort Wagner in South Carolina and the Civil War. He mustered out on August 20, 1865 but how he spent his life after the war is unknown. He is buried just over the Maryland border in Zion Union Cemetery, Mercersburg PA.

Zion Union Cemetery is the largest private burial site of soldiers from the 54th Mass. It is also the final resting place of at least thirty-eight African-American Civil War veterans.

"The Old Flag Never Touched the Ground"
by Rick Reeves
Fort Wagner, South Carolina -- July 18, 1863

07/15/2026

So what happened after Fort Stevens?

After the Battle of Fort Stevens on July 11 and 12, 1864, Jubal Early and his men withdrew from the District of Columbia. On July 14, they crossed the Potomac River from Maryland back into Virginia at White's Ford. A Union column, consisting of the VI Corps and elements of the XIX Corps under Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright, pursued Lt. Gen. Jubal Early's Army of the Valley as it withdrew.

On July 15 in Loudoun County, VA, Wright's force was joined by elements of Brig. Gen. George Crook's command, which had accompanied Maj. Gen. David Hunter during his retreat through West Virginia following the Battle of Lynchburg on June 18, 1864.

After two brief engagements in Loudoun County at Heaton's Crossroads (present day Purcellville) and Woodgrove on July 16, Early's main force crossed west over the Blue Ridge Mountains at Snickers Gap and established themselves around Berryville. To cover his rear, Early left substantial rearguard forces at main river crossings of the Shenandoah River.

On July 17, the Union cavalry passed westward through Snicker's Gap and unsuccessfully attempted to force passage of the river at Castleman's Ferry (Snicker's Ford).

07/13/2026

None other than our very own board member, Brad Stone. Bring it on Brad!

Explore the realities of field medicine during the Battle of Monoca...

07/12/2026

At the Monocacy National Battlefield for yesterday’s 162nd commemoration, the storytelling of the battle history was advanced by the numerous and varied interpreters located throughout the park along with guest speakers. We thank them for their spirit of volunteerism and commitment.

07/09/2026

7/9/2026: It’s the 162nd anniversary! MNB has a tremendous line-up of activities that start today through Sunday. See the MNB website to plan your visit at https://nps.gov/mono.