Civil War History in Frederick, MD

Frederick County, Maryland was at the crossroads of the American Civil War. Throughout the conflict, armies marched through the region and several major battles occurred in the Frederick area. In 1862, US and Confederate armies clashed during the Battle of South Mountain, a Union victory that set the stage for the Battle of Antietam.

The United States Army marched through Frederick on its way to victory at Gettysburg in July 1863. A year later, another Confederate invasion came to Frederick, resulting in the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864. In the aftermath of battle, many locations in Frederick County became military hospitals. Learn more about how the Civil War shaped the history of medicine at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. 

Today, you can follow in the soldiers' footsteps along multiple Maryland Civil War Trail driving tours, seeing many of the same places, landmarks, and communities that played major roles in the conflict. 


  • 48 E. Patrick St.
  • 301-695-1864

Dedicated to telling the medical story of the Civil War - a story of care and healing, courage and devotion amidst death and destruction, while laying the foundation for modern medical care. We are now open 7 days a week! M-Sat 10-5 and Sun 11-5. For guided tours (Monday through…

  • 1611 N. Market St.
  • 301-600-1650

Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums provide visitors with a look at early American life; transportation history and the agricultural history of Frederick County. Thomas Johnson, Maryland's first elected Governor, spent his retirement at Rose Hill Manor. The Children's Museum of…

  • 5201 Urbana Pike
  • 301-662-3515

Note: Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The walking trails and self-guided auto tour remain open 7 days a week. The Visitor Center is open Sun, Mon, Thurs, Fri and Sat from 9am-5pm. A visitor center, self-guided auto tour and walking…

  • 6620 Zittlestown Rd.
  • 301-791-4767

The State Battlefield park encompasses the three gaps of South Mountain (Crampton's, Fox's, and Turner's gaps) that were the scene of the September 14, 1862, battle, just days before Antietam. Daily: 8am-sunset.

  • Reno Monument Rd.
  • 301-432-8065

Features a monument to Union General Jesse Reno, mortally wounded at this location. A nearby marker commemorates Confederate General Samuel Garland who died in the gap the same day. Future President Rutherford B. Hayes was wounded near here that morning.

  • 339 S. Seton Ave.
  • 301-447-6606

Historical site dedicated to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint. Discover her inspirational story on a self-guided tour using our Map & Guide that you can get from our Visitor Center, or on a guided tour by one of our helpful guides. See two historic homes…

  • 40 W Potomac St.
  • 301-491-1479

The C&O Canal National Historic Park preserves the remains of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal as well as valuable wild spaces along the Potomac River shoreline from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, MD. The Canal’s entire 185-mile long towpath is restored, open to hikers…

  • 900 Arnoldstown Rd.
  • 301-791-4767

A unique War Correspondent's Memorial Arch, constructed by journalist and author George Alfred Townsend. On his former estate, the George Alfred Townsend Museum is open weekends. Apr-Oct 12-5pm. Hike through the park on the Appalachian Trail. Picnic pavilion. Periodic Civil War…

  • Fox's Gap
  • 704-545-9760

The North Carolina monument at Fox's Gap was placed in memory of the North Carolinians who fought at or near this location on September 14, 1862, during the Battle of South Mountain. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 23rd, 30th Infantry and Manly's…

  • Route 806, Catoctin Furnace Village
  • 301-271-7574

In operation from 1776 to 1903, the Catoctin Iron Furnace was a community in itself. Founders, miners, clerks, charcoal makers, storekeepers, teamsters, and others came together under the iron master's supervision. A furnace stack, the iron master's Manor House ruins, and…

  • 515 S. Market St.
  • 301-662-1164

Established in 1854 and featuring the gravesites of Francis Scott Key (National Anthem author), Barbara Fritchie (Whittier's Poem), and Thomas Johnson (first Governor of Maryland). The Monument to the Unknown Confederate Soldiers was unveiled in 1881 to honor the soldiers of the…

  • 18422 Shepherdstown Pike
  • 301-432-6402

During its open season, the Visitor Center is staffed by knowledgeable National Park Service volunteers and offers resources to help plan your visit to the area. Printed guides and brochures provide information about Washington, Frederick, and Carroll counties in Maryland. The…

  • 1195 Baltimore Pike
  • 717-338-1243

You are invited to explore Gettysburg with us. The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is the official start to your Gettysburg visit. Begin with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience. Set the Scene: The film “A New Birth of Freedom” provides the backdrop…

Visiting Gettysburg National Military Park?

Discover the full story of the Gettysburg Campaign by visiting Civil War history sites in Frederick, Maryland. Learn about the Catholic nuns who served as nurses after the Battle of Gettysburg at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Anne Seton in Emmitsburg. 

Explore the medical innovations during and after Gettysburg at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Downtown Frederick. 

Visit the sites where the Union Army marched to and from the Battle of Gettysburg by using the Gettysburg Campaign Civil War Trails map. 

Refuel during your history explorations at the delicious restaurants you'll find in the City of Frederick's historic district. You'll be dining in buildings dating back to the Civil War era in a city that played a crucial role during that important time period.