Araby View in Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Nick of Time
Monocacy National Battlefield
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 9, 2014
1. Nick of Time Marker
The background of the marker is a photo captioned, "Monocacy Junction (shown here in 1858) was strategic, if destroyed would cut off Union supplies and reinforcements to the west." A small illustration in the upper right is captioned, "This Harpers Weekly sketch of the Confederate-destroyed bridge over the Monocacy River illustrates the havoc wrought by armies upon the railroad."
On July 9, 1864, at 2:00 a.m., the last train of Union reinforcements pulled into Monocacy Junction just hours before the battle. The addition of 3,400 veterans increased Wallace's total to 6,600 men. While Wallace was successful in delaying the Confederate march on Washington, he failed to stop the Confederates from destroying the junction and damaging the railroad bridge.
Railroads played a major part in the Civil War. The ability to move troops and supplies rapidly over short and long distances had an immediate effect on campaigns and battles. Because of this advantage, railroads would become prime targets for both armies throughout the war.
A large force of veterans have arrived by water, and will be sent immediately [by train]. John W. Garrett, B&O Railroad President
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1904.
Location. 39° 22.302′ N, 77° 23.483′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. It is in Araby View. It is on Urbana Pike (State Highway 355), on the right when traveling north. Located on the battlefield trail paralleling the railroad track, from the Monocacy park visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frederick MD 21703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Slave to Soldier (here, next to this marker); A Crossroads of History (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bold Plan (within shouting distance of this marker); Caring for the River (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Federals Take a Stand (about 400 feet away); Commemoration (about 400 feet away); 14th New Jersey Infantry Regiment (about 500 feet away); CPL Kirk J Bosselmann (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 2, 2014
5. Remains of the Monocacy Railroad Bridge - September 1862
The War in Maryland — remains of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad bridge over the Monocacy, Destroyed by the Rebels. — From a sketch by our special artist.
This Harpers Weekly sketch of the Confederate-destroyed bridge over the Monocacy River illustrates the havoc wrought by armies upon the railroad.Close-up of image on marker
This Harpers Weekly sketch of the Confederate-destroyed bridge over the Monocacy River illustrates the havoc wrought by armies upon the railroad.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2014, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,070 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 31, 2014, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on November 4, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on August 31, 2014, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5, 6. submitted on November 4, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 7. submitted on April 10, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.




