Battle of Monocacy facts for kids
The Battle of Monocacy was a very important fight during the American Civil War. It happened near Frederick, Maryland, on July 9, 1864. A Confederate army, led by General Jubal Early, was marching towards Washington, D.C.. Their goal was to capture the capital city.
A smaller Union army, commanded by General Lew Wallace, bravely fought the Confederates along the Monocacy River. The battle lasted most of the day. Even though Wallace's Union forces had to retreat by late afternoon, their fight caused a crucial delay. This delay stopped the Confederates from reaching Washington until General Grant's soldiers arrived to defend the city. Because of this, the Battle of Monocacy is often called "the battle that saved Washington."
Contents
What Was the Battle of Monocacy?
The Battle of Monocacy was part of a larger plan by the Confederates. They wanted to attack Washington, D.C., to take pressure off their forces fighting elsewhere. General Early's army was heading straight for the capital.
Why Was This Battle Important?
The Union army at Monocacy was much smaller than the Confederate force. General Wallace knew he probably couldn't win the battle. But he understood that every hour he could delay the Confederates was a victory. This delay gave the main Union army enough time to send soldiers to protect Washington, D.C. If the Confederates had reached Washington without this delay, the city might have been captured.
Who Were the Main Commanders?
- Confederate Army: General Jubal Early led the Confederate forces. He was a skilled commander who had fought in many battles.
- Union Army: General Lew Wallace commanded the Union troops. He was not as well-known for his military skills as some other generals, but his actions at Monocacy were very important. After the war, he became famous for writing the book Ben-Hur.
The Battlefield Today
The place where the Battle of Monocacy happened is now a special park. It helps people remember this important event in American history.
Monocacy National Battlefield
The Monocacy National Battlefield was created in 1976. It is managed by the National Park Service. This park covers about 1,647 acres of the land where the battle took place. It is located along the Monocacy River, just south of Frederick, Maryland. Visitors can learn about the battle and walk the historic grounds.
Protecting the Land
Organizations like the Civil War Trust (which is now part of the American Battlefield Trust) work to protect these historic places. They have helped buy and save many acres of the Monocacy battlefield. Some of this land has become part of the national park, making sure it is preserved for future generations.
Images for kids
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Map of Monocacy Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program
