Iconic Monument at Monocacy National Battlefield Commemorates Vermont Soldiers’ role in Civil War
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2026
Strategic acquisition fills a critical gap in park boundaries and protects an important piece of Civil War history
Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2026) – National Park Trust and the National Park Service (NPS) have announced the successful acquisition of a critical parcel inside Monocacy National Battlefield in Maryland. The parcel, owned by the State of Vermont, is the site of a monument that commemorates the service of the 10th Vermont Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Monocacy. This battle assured the safety of Washington, D.C. from attack.
The National Park Service collaborated with the National Park Trust on the transfer of land within the park from the State of Vermont to the NPS. The Park Trust worked with the Vermont State Historical Preservation Office to pass legislation, signed by the Vermont governor, that allows transfer. The Park Trust contracted a title company to conduct ownership research and an engineering company to provide an environmental site assessment, both of which are necessary for the NPS to accept ownership.
“We are pleased to support the National Park Service when they seek our real estate expertise to protect our national park sites,” said Grace Lee, National Park Trust Executive Director. “This acquisition is a significant ‘missing piece of the park’ and protects the history of the Battle of Monocacy, a pivotal Civil War battle. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the National Park Service and the State of Vermont to make this happen.”
“The Vermont Monument is an important part of the Monocacy story, and the National Park Trust’s efforts have helped ensure it will be preserved and shared with visitors for years to come,” said Derek Carter, Superintendent, Monocacy National Battlefield.
Union forces, under the command of Major General Lew Wallace, fought those of Confederate General Jubal Early, delaying his march on Washington, D.C., and allowing reinforcements to strengthen the capital’s defenses. As a result, Union action in the Battle of Fort Stevens kept the Nation’s capital secure.
The 10th Vermont Infantry Regiment saw most of its action on the left flank of the Union battle line, where it engaged in some of the heaviest fighting. In 1915, the State of Vermont erected a monument to the soldiers of the 10th on the location of their troop’s position in the battle.
The monument, dedicated by the State of Vermont in 1915, is a significant and integral part of the battle’s history and the park’s story. To learn more about this project, please visit: https://parktrust.org/protected-parks/monocacy-national-battlefield-md-vermont-monument/.
This acquisition was made possible by the generosity of donors to the National Park Trust’s Park Preservation Fund. To learn more about our work, this fund, and how you can help us protect our national parks, please visit: https://parktrust.org/park-preservation/.
ABOUT NATIONAL PARK TRUST
National Park Trust’s mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow. Since 1983, the Park Trust has acquired many of the missing pieces of our national parks, benefiting 58 national park sites across the country. Our national youth education and family initiatives, including our Buddy Bison, College Ambassador, and Military Family Programs, as well as National Kids to Parks Day, serve tens of thousands of children annually and cultivate future park stewards. We believe our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed, and preserved by all for current and future generations. Find out more at parktrust.org.
Media Contact: Emma Hartlaub at 301-279-7275 or [email protected].
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