NPS / Kelsey Graczyk This loop trail follows a wood line to the area of Monocacy Junction, a wayside about the United States Colored Troops (USCT), then runs parallel to Route 355 back to the visitor center. The surface can be uneven at times. Please be aware of potential groundhog holes. There is a bench near the USCT wayside and an opportunity to divert to the Best Farm Trail or 14th New Jersey Monument. Trail info
HistoryIn the early 1830s, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad came through this area building the first railroad bridge over a river and the first junction area that allowed trains to turn around by using a set of triangular tracks. There was a two-story train station with a train and telegraph office downstairs, while the upstairs housed the family of Mr. Frank Mantz, the railroad manager. Federal forces guarded this strategic location throughout the war. Confederate troops targeted the bridge in both 1862 and 1864. During the Battle of Monocacy, Confederate artillery positioned in these field put pressure on the Federal forces on the south side of the river. Three hundred Federal troops fought off the attacking Confederate forces for several hours before retreating across the railroad bridge. |
Last updated: August 25, 2023