Monocacy National Battlefield

During the American Civil War the standard army ration was the same for both Federal and Confederate armies. Each ration was divided into five components ---meat, flour, vegetable, coffee/sugar, and seasoning. Commissioned officers in the United States Army did not draw rations directly. They were given a cash allowance that was used to purchase food from the Commissary; while commissioned officers in the Confederate Army drew the same ration as privates. Depending upon the season, the region of the country and the availability, the food that was actually issued varied dramatically.

During the Civil War, soldiers did not rely solely upon the government for food either. Foraging, or taking food from the land and farms in the path of the army, was common in all armies. Soldiers could also purchase food from sutlers and received food from family and friends who sent it to camp.  

This presentation will describe the food soldier's actual ate and how they cooked it through looking at original ration returns, diaries, letters and cooking equipment.  

Painting the Past -

Join Monocacy National Battlefield staff as we look at a wide variety of uniforms from the American Civil War and paint our own miniature soldiers. All paints and materials are provided; participants should be 10 or older. Registration is limited, so please email mono_mail@nps.gov with the number of intended participants.

Among the forces fighting against each other at the Battle of Monocacy were the 9th New York Heavy Artillery and the 20th North Carolina. Both regiments fought as infantry and both were heavily engaged as skirmishers and sharpshooters during the battle. So how did these regiments compare when facing off?

Join Living History Volunteers representing these regiments as they exhibit their equipments, both reproduction and original, as well as discuss the similarities and differences between the tactics and deployments used by the 9th New York Heavy Artillery and 20th North Carolina during the Battle of Monocacy.

Painting the Past -

Join Monocacy National Battlefield staff as we look at a wide variety of uniforms from the American Civil War and paint our own miniature soldiers. All paints and materials are provided; participants should be 10 or older. Registration is limited, so please email mono_mail@nps.gov with the number of intended participants.

Join living history volunteers at Monocacy National Battlefield as they discuss the perilous position of Maryland in the Civil War. Marylanders fought on both sides of the Civil War and even occasionally fought each other! Learn about the clashes between Marylanders in blue and gray during the Monocacy Campaign, their fights and their relation to the parts of the state they fought in.

Join National Park Service rangers and living history volunteers for Junior Ranger Day!

Guests will be encouraged to do participate in the Monocacy National Battlefield Junior Ranger program, earning their Junior Ranger badge if they complete at least five activities.

In addition, guests are invited to "enlist" with our living history volunteers who will be teaching both infantry and artillery drills to anyone who would like to take part. How did soldiers move and fight on Monocacy National Battlefield? How long did it take to load a cannon? You will find out with this fun, hands on activity.

One of our biggest volunteer opportunities of the year! Park Day brings in volunteers from all over Frederick County and beyond to assist Monocacy National Battlefield on a variety of projects. These include, but are not limited to:

* Weeding

* Planting

* Litter patrol on the trails

* Invasive species removal

Forms and gloves will be provided, please dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to get dirty!

Join National Park Service employees and volunteers as they prepare the native plant garden for the growing season while learning about plants native to Central Maryland. 

The Battle of Monocacy was fought amongst the farms, fields and forests along the Monocacy River on July 9, 1864. Each of the farms, and the people who lived on them, were impacted by the battle. 

On May 2nd, 2026, join Monocacy National Battlefield Rangers and volunteers as we explore two of these farms. At tour stop #1 we will look at the long legacy of the Best Farm. Located on the north end of the battlefield landscape, the Best Farm has a legacy far beyond the Civil War.

After Best Farm guests will be encouraged to join the ranger staff at tour stop #2, the Worthington Farm. This farm is of deep importance to the history of the campaign and the establishment of Monocacy National Battlefield itself.

Space is limited at both farms, so please reach out to Monocacy National Battlefield to reserve your slot. 

Join Park Rangers as they discuss the history and importance of Memorial Day. Listen to patriotic music and participate in the National Moment of Silence as we commemorate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. 

African Americans have served in every United States conflict since the country began. This legacy of service however has been fraught with both struggle and triumph. Join us in the Monocacy National Battlefield visitor center as we discuss the trials of African American military service from the Revolutionary period up through the modern era.