Near Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Monocacy
The Battle that saved Washington
Here along the Monocacy River on July 9, 1864, was fought the battle between Union forces under General Lew Wallace and Confederate forces under General Jubal A. Early.
The battle, although a temporary victory for the Confederates, delayed their march on Washington one day, thereby enabling General Grant to send veteran reinforcements from Petersburg, Virginia to the defenses of Washington in time to forestall the attack by the Confederates and thus save the capital from capture.
Dedicated on July 9, 1964
To honor the Maryland soldiers who fought here
for the Union and the Confederacy.
J. Millard Tawes, Governor of Maryland
Maryland Civil War Centennial Commission
George L. Radcliffe, Chairman
Erected 1964 by Maryland Civil War Centennial Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 2000.
Location. 39° 22.584′ N, 77° 23.821′ W. Marker is near Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is on Urbana Pike (State Highway 355), on the right when traveling south. Located at a pull off, just where Urbana Pike narrows down to two lane traffic as it enters the Monocacy National Battlefield. This was stop one on the auto tour of the Monocacy Battlefield before the Best Farm was fully opened to the public. However, parking at the stop is limited and caution is advised. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frederick MD 21704, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. This Boulder Overlooks the Monocacy Battlefield (here, next to this marker); Headquarters of Generals Robert E. Lee, "Stonewall" Jackson and Longstreet Sept. 6-9, 1862. (here, next to this marker); Monocacy Battlefield (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lost Order (about 500 feet away); 1862 Antietam Campaign (about 500 feet away); Battle Begins (about 500 feet away); A Bold Plan (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named The Lost Order (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
More about this marker. The base of the monument lists the years 1864-1964, indicating the century of passage between the battle and the monument dedication.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This marker is among several describing the battle of Monocacy, to "tour" the battlefield using the related HMBd markers sites.
Also see . . . Monocacy National Battlefield. National Parks Service website entry (Submitted on October 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,244 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 4, 5. submitted on October 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on August 9, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 7. submitted on April 16, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.