Interpretive Panels Worthington Parking Area

Worthington Parking Area

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Location:

Frederick, Maryland

Significance:

Battle of Monocacy

Designation:

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

Amenities

7 listed

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

The “A Bold Plan” wayside is located next to the parking area at the end of the publicly accessible portion of Worthington Lane. The panel provides context for the Battle of Monocacy and directions for the driving tour.

“I therefore decided…to turn down the …to threaten Washington and if I find an opportunity---to take it”, Confederate General Jubal A. Early

In June 1864, with Union Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant intent on destroying Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s army, Lee developed a bold pan to capture Washington, D.C. He sent Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early with 15,000 troops to invade the North. Pushing through the Shenandoah Valley to Frederick, Maryland, Early expected to encounter minor resistance, but instead he found an opposing force of 6,600 troops he had not anticipated. Although his army prevailed at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9th, 1864, the delay cost his army the chance to take Washington and, perhaps, to turn the tide of the war in favor of the confederates.

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.