. . . 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.
We have a book sale at the museum during the month of June. If you have any books to donate for the sale, please drop off at the museum on Saturday or Sunday between 10am and 3:30PM!
Eric Hoffmeier
May 20 - 21: Living History Weekend at the Battlefield Park - Join us for Artillery and
Infantry demonstrations by the 2nd Maryland Artillery (Baltimore Light Artillery) and Infantry
Tactical Demonstations by the 4th Texas Co B and the 69th Pennsylvania Co D from the famed
Irish Brigade. Also featuring "Civil War Historical Impressions" Doug Decker portraying Fed
Surgeon Dr Brinton who will discuss field medicine. All strive to re-create the best impressions
of Civil War life possible based on research and documentation. In addition, learn about Civil
War uniforms and paint a soldier you can keep. Supplies limited, so please register in advance
with John Welker at johnwelker117@gmail.com.
Schedule includes
Artillery Demos:
Daily 10am & 2pm
Infantry Reenactments:
Medical display: all day
9:30am & 2:30pm
Camp Life Open to Visit:
Sat 9:30am - 5pm
Sun 9:30am - 2pm
Bring the Past to Life w/ Paint:
Sat at Noon
Matt Rhone
On Saturday May 13 Join The Ghost Pit for year number 2 PARANORMAL PARTY AT THE PARK!!! There will be plenty to see and do as we will have local artisans, Metaphysical Vendors, paranormal teams, food, music, and more!!! Best of all, it's free for everyone!!! Come out and enjoy a day meant to be about community and making new friends while enjoying what the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum has to offer. The event runs from 12 to 5 and will take place at the Monterey Pass Park Pavillion. See you there!!!
Joanne Webb Rook