You are here

Home » Thomas And Worthington Farms At Monocacy National Battlefield To Be Restored

Thomas And Worthington Farms At Monocacy National Battlefield To Be Restored

Share

Published Date

October 21, 2020
An engraving shows how the Thomas Farm appeared in 1882, 18 years after the Civil War came to this landscape/NPS

An engraving shows how the Thomas Farm appeared in 1882, 18 years after the Civil War came to this landscape/NPS

In a move to help visitors better understand Civil War battle lines as they appeared in 1864, staff at Monocacy National Battlefield in Maryland are removing trees to restore the historic viewsheds on the Thomas and Worthington farms.

Trees within targeted areas are being removed through December 30. The park will replant the areas where trees are removed and maintain them as open spaces. 

During the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864, some of the most intense fighting occurred between the Thomas and Worthington farms. The construction of Interstate 270 in the 1950s created a barrier between the two farms, and tree growth along the road corridor and field edges has further disconnected these two significant areas of the historic battlefield.  

The restoration of these historic viewsheds is a part of a continued implementation of the Monocacy National Battlefield Public Access Plan - Environmental Assessment, which the National Park Service finalized in 2017. The plan also calls for the addition of almost eight miles of trails, the restoration of visual connections and improvements to pedestrian access. The park added new trails at Best and Worthington Farms in 2019 and completed a new accessible boardwalk at Gambrill Mill in July 2020. 

For visitor safety, the park will place temporary closures at the Thomas and Worthington farms. Information on the closures will be available on the park website, Facebook and Instagram. Visitors may also contact the park visitor center at (301) 662-3515.  

Monocacy National Battlefield was established by Congress to preserve the battlefield and commemorate the July 9, 1864 battle. The park provides opportunities for visitors to understand and appreciate the significance of the Battle of Monocacy within the full context of the Civil War and US History.  

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.