The Monterey Pass Battlefield Association

"Our goal is to identify & raise awareness to educate the public about the historical Civil War significance of the Monterey Area."

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After installing the last driving tour marker, members of the Monterey Pass Battlefield Association gather for a group photograph. Markers are located at Fountain Dale Fire Department, Hawley Memorial Church as well as Rolando Woods Park all located on Old Waynesboro Road. A Maryland Civil War Trails Wayside Exhibit will be installed at Pen Mar Park later this month.

 Be sure to see our new driving tour.

Monterey Pass: Pennsylvania's Second Largest Battle booklet is still for sale

Welcome to the website of the Monterey Pass Battlefield Association. The Monterey Pass Battlefield Association is comprised of individuals, living historians and community organizations whose main goal is to preserve this Civil War battlefield and educate our community about the Civil War significance of the Battle of Monterey Pass through interpretational programs. These programs include journalism, lectures, special events and living histories. There are no visitor services established for the Monterey Pass battle site or for Fairfield Pass, as the entire battlefield is in private ownership.

The association's purpose is to honor the memory of the men, both Union and Confederate, who fought during the night of July 4th into the early morning hours of July 5th, 1863. This battle proved to be very difficult as it was during a blinding thunderstorm and included many citizens of the area who participated in the fight, serving as guides.

Many engagements were fought during the Pennsylvania Campaign that are often overlooked. One of those engagements is the battle of Monterey Pass, which is the second largest battle in Pennsylvania and was the only battle that was fought on both sides of the Mason and Dixon Line, taking place in four counties, Frederick and Washington Counties, Maryland and Adams and Franklin Counties, Pennsylvania. Being a direct route to the Potomac River, Monterey Pass was used by the bulk of the Confederate Army during it’s withdraw from Gettysburg.

After the Civil War, the community of Monterey expanded, becoming a resort town for wealthy families who spent their summers in the area to escape the heat of the big city. This is a prime example of a developed battlefield and how housing and expansion leads to the deterioration of these Civil War battlefields. In 1890, during this resort era Lt. Colonel Walter H. Taylor moved to Cascade during the summer. He would talk about the Monterey area where he and General Lee took a break from the retreat long enough to watch a portion of his army march back to the Potomac. Today the Taylor residence is operated as a bed and breakfast called the Cascade Inn.

Did you know? Major Charles Capehart, 1st West Virginia Cavalry was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1898 for his services during the battle of Monterey Pass.