Interpretive Panel: Ambush

Interpretive Panel: Ambush

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Location:

Frederick, Maryland

Significance:

Battle of Monocacy

Designation:

National Battlefield, National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmark

Amenities

8 listed

Audio Description, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

Two waysides near the Worthington House highlight the important events that occurred at the farm on July 9, 1864. The "Ambush" wayside details the first Confederate attack after they succeeded in crossing the Monocacy River at the nearby ford. The "Through the Eyes of Child" wayside addresses Glenn Worthington's experience as he watched the battle from a basement window.

Around 10 am, Confederate cavalry under the command of General John McCausland found the Worthington-McKinney Ford and began crossing the river. Once across the river, the cavalry dismounted and prepared for battle in the Worthington's fields. 

McCausland and his men believed that they were facing inexperienced soldiers ("100-day men") who were assigned to guard the railroad junction and bridges at Monocacy Junction. Confident that it would be an easy route, the dismounted cavalry soldiers began marching towards the Thomas Farm around 10:30 am. When they were within 125-feet of the fence separating the Thomas and Worthington Farms, the Union troops opened fire. Surprised by the disciplined and well coordinated attack of General Ricketts's VI Corps, the Confederates fell back in confusion.

In the fields behind the Worthington House, McCausland regrouped his men. Around 2 pm, the cavalry attacked again; this time succeeding in pushing the Union line back to the Georgetown Pike and taking control of the Thomas House. Their gain was short-lived, when Union forces rallied and once again pushed the cavalry back to the Worthington Farm.

“We remained under the terrific fire about one hour, in which time we lost one-third of the command killed and wounded”. Corporal Alexandria St. Clair, 16th Virginia Calvary

Around 3 pm, General John B. Gordon and his infantry division relieved McCausland and the cavalry.

Duration:

6 minutes, 55 seconds

Confederate cavalry crossed at a ford along the Monocacy River, moved across the fields of the Worthington House and moved to attack the Union line at the Thomas Farm. This was all occurring under the watchful eye of 6-year-old Glenn Worthington.