New Monument Trail Invites Visitors to Walk the Ground Where Federal Soldiers Lost the Battle but Helped Win the War

Contact: NCR Communications

FREDERICK, Md. - Monocacy National Battlefield is marking America in Motion Monday and the 2026 National Park Week with the opening of a new one-mile Monument Trail at Thomas Farm. The trail gives visitors another way to explore the landscape where some of the fiercest fighting of the Battle of Monocacy unfolded on July 9, 1864.

"This trail provides another opportunity for visitors to experience where determined soldiers stood their ground against overwhelming odds," said Monocacy National Battlefield Superintendent Derek Carter. "Walk it. Study the terrain. Remember their courage and sacrifice. They lost the battle, but their stand bought the time needed to save Washington."

The self-guided Monument Trail crosses ground that still carries visible traces of the battle. Along the historic lane leading to the Thomas House, visitors can follow the route where soldiers of the Sixth Corps advanced to stop a Confederate attack.

Although Confederate forces won the battle, a much smaller Federal force delayed their advance long enough for reinforcements to reach Washington. That costly stand became known as the "Battle That Saved Washington."

Along Araby Church Road, visitors can see the sunken remains of the original road and the raised bank that Sixth Corps soldiers used for cover during the battle and their retreat. The trail also leads to the Vermont and Pennsylvania monuments as well as a wayside exhibit just beyond the tree line.

Start at the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center at 5201 Urbana Pike in Frederick, Maryland 21704. Visit the newly renovated museum and pick up a park map. Then follow the six-mile driving tour to Thomas Farm, which is Stop 3. Park in a marked parking space at the farm. Follow the Monument Trail signs and white trail markers. The trail is open to foot traffic only.

The battlefield is open every day from 7:30 a.m. until 20 minutes after sunset. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Admission is free.

Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, carry water and prepare for changing weather. Leashed pets are welcome on park trails, but bicycles and horses are not permitted. Visitors must remain on designated trails and may not enter farm fields, use metal detectors or remove historic objects.

This National Park Week-or anytime-walk the ground, study the terrain and discover how one day of extraordinary courage and sacrifice changed the course of American history.

For current conditions and trip-planning information, visit www.nps.gov/mono or call 301-662-3515.

###

About the National Park Service

Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

About National Park Week

National Park Week is a Presidentially proclaimed celebration that encourages people to discover the places, programs, experiences, and stories of the National Park Service. National Park Week 2026, "Celebrate America's Story," continues semiquincentennial commemorations and celebrates America's 400+ national parks and their roles in America's collective history. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/NationalParkWeek2026.