After three days of battle at Gettysburg . . .

. . . both sides had taken substantial losses. Robert E. Lee’s 50,000 remaining troops of the Army of Northern Virginia needed to withdraw from 80,000 remaining Union troops in George Meade’s Army of the Potomac.  Where did they go? 

Monterey Pass was the site of a battle that would determine whether Lee would be able to retreat and fight another day.  60 miles of wagons, loaded with supplies needed to sustain Lee’s army, headed for the river crossing at Williamsport MD and escape to Virginia.  20 miles of those wagons made their way via Monterey Pass.  During the night of July 4th, 5000 Union troops, including George Armstrong Custer, attacked this retreating wagon train in the middle of a raging thunderstorm.  

The Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum is a 125 acre natural, cultural & historical park located in Washington Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.  The park and museum preserves a portion of Pennsylvania’s second largest Civil War battle.

The Battle included the Toll House, site of the fiercest part of the battle where the Union broke the Confederate line. The Toll House which still stands is currently privately owned and occupied, though negotiations are underway to bring it into the Park. The Park currently includes miles of trails with magnificent views of the area, and a Boy Scout encampment area.  Adjacent to the Park is Happel’s Meadow Wetlands, Monterey Park picnic area and Pavilion (which can be reserved through Washington Township) and a playground.  The Museum and its immediate grounds include maps and artifacts of the battle.  Parking suitable for cars and busses is located just across Charmain Road, at the starting point of the trails and within a short walk over the pedestrian bridge of the Museum.  

Join us for a wonderful Civil War and nature experience.  Take a look around the park with this video. See many enhancements described in the video which were completed in late 2020, and the 2021 Program here.

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For more Scheduled Activities, see our Activities Calendar at left. For current events, review the following posts from our Facebook page, or visit our Facebook page using the link at the bottom of this page.

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Updated 3/24/24: Apr 13 – 14: Living History Weekend – Military Encampment and Battle Reenactment. Join the War Between the States Society as Union Cavalry Mounted and Dismounted units the 1st WV Cavalry and the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th Michigan Cavalry, face off against Confederate units the 1st MD Cavalry, the 5th AL Infantry, and the 5th, 12th, 20th and 23rd North Carolina Infantry to reenact camp life and the Battle of Monterey Pass. Units will be available late Friday afternoon – Sunday to share camp life, the school of the soldier, and unit histories. A blacksmith will demonstrate era skills and have items for sale. Author Joel Moore will have his new new bok and other stories. In addition, the following specific events will occur each day: . . . . . . . . . . April 13 . . . . . . April 14
Battle of Monterey Pass Reenactment . . .2 – 3pm . . . . . . .1 – 2pm
Unit Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10am – 4pm . . 10:30am – 3pm
Blacksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10am-3pm . . . . 10am-2pm
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The Museum at Monterey Pass Battlefield opens for the season at 10:00am on Saturday April 6. We will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00PM, and at other times upon request. We have some new exhibits on display and a full list of events this year, so stop by and see us! ... See MoreSee Less

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Shared.

Exactly where is this?

Seen on the Monterey peak trail yesterday.... ... See MoreSee Less

Seen on the Monterey peak trail yesterday....Image attachment

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Great hiking trail and musem.

Winter is a great time to hike the trails at Monterey Pass Battlefield park! ... See MoreSee Less

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Looking forward to setting up there in September to show our support for Monterey Pass Battlefield Park & Museum

I do it the first time it snows.

where is that boardwalk located been there many time but never saw that boardwalk.

Though the planned events are cancelled this weekend, the museum at Monterey will still be open Saturday and Sunday, 10am-2pm! ... See MoreSee Less