PA Historic Places

Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County

If you’re looking for information about visiting Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, you’re in the right place!

Sign at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, displaying the park's name in bold black letters on a white background. The sign features an image of a Civil War-era cannon and is mounted on a wooden frame. The surrounding area includes grass and trees, with a clear blue sky and a few clouds overhead.

Located on 125 acres rich in both natural beauty and historical significance, Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum preserves the site of Pennsylvania’s second-largest Civil War battle.

Rock formations at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The rugged rocks are surrounded by dense green foliage, including trees, ferns, and various plants, creating a natural and serene environment. The formations display layers of weathered stone, showcasing the geological history of the area.

The battlefield park and museum offers visitors a glimpse into a pivotal but largely-overlooked chapter of the Civil War, the Confederate retreat from Gettysburg.

A 3-inch ordnance rifle displayed at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The cannon is mounted on large wooden wheels, with a ramrod and a black powder bucket hanging below. The background shows a grassy area with trees and historic buildings.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum is located at 14325 Buchanan Trail East (Route 16), Waynesboro, PA 17268.

There is a second parking lot behind the museum, along Charmian Road, closer to the battlefield park and hiking trails (see map above).

Parking lot at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, featuring several parked vehicles, including a red car and a white truck. The area is surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, with a few buildings visible in the background. The sky is bright blue with scattered clouds, creating a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

The Monterey Pass park grounds are accessible from 8:00 a.m. to dusk throughout the year.

Observation deck at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, featuring a wooden platform with railings and steps leading up to it. The deck is situated on rocky terrain surrounded by trees and vegetation, providing a scenic viewpoint for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and historical significance of the area. A person is seen standing on the deck, taking in the view.

The Monterey Pass museum is open Saturday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., April through October.

Exterior of the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, featuring a stone building with a covered porch. The entrance is flanked by two flagpoles displaying the American flag and a Confederate flag. The surrounding area includes well-maintained landscaping with bushes and a walkway leading up to the entrance. The scene is set against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

There is no admission fee to visit the museum, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

Exhibit at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, featuring mannequins dressed in Civil War uniforms. One mannequin represents a Union soldier in a blue uniform with a McClellan saddle beside him, while the other represents a Confederate soldier in a gray uniform holding a rifle. The background includes various historical displays, maps, and artifacts, providing a rich context for the exhibit.

The Battle at Monterey Pass

In the wake of the three-day battle at Gettysburg, Confederate General Robert E. Lee, with his 50,000-strong Army of Northern Virginia, sought to retreat from Union General George Meade and his 80,000-strong Army of the Potomac.

Informational sign at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, titled "The Retreat from Gettysburg: Longstreet’s Corps." The sign details the movements of Confederate General James Longstreet’s Corps from Fairfield to Monterey Pass on July 5, following the Battle of Gettysburg. It describes the encampment locations of various divisions and their march towards the Potomac River. The sign includes quotes from Lt. William Gordon and images of key Confederate generals involved in the retreat, such as James Longstreet, Lafayette McLaws, George Pickett, Evander Law, and J.B. Walton. The background features a grassy area.

The battle at Monterey Pass would prove crucial in determining whether Lee could successfully escape and continue fighting.

Informational sign at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, titled "The Union Pursuit Through Monterey Pass." The sign details the movements of the VI Corps under Major General John Sedgwick on July 5, during their pursuit of the retreating Confederate army. It describes the skirmishes, artillery duels, and the strategic actions of Brigadier General Thomas Neill and Colonel John McIntosh. The sign includes quotes from Sergeant Abraham Titus Brewer and Private James Walker of the 61st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, highlighting their experiences. Photographs of Brigadier General Neill and Colonel McIntosh, along with images of Union soldiers, complement the text, providing historical context and personal accounts of the events.

A 20-mile-long wagon train, vital for the survival of Lee’s army, aimed to use Monterey Pass as part of its escape route to Virginia.

Exhibit at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, titled "Monterey Pass Flooded With Wagons and Livestock." The display includes information about the Confederate wagon trains led by Major John Harman during the retreat on July 4, 1863. It features a portrait of Major Harman, historical photographs of the wagon trains, and a detailed model of a six-mule U.S. Army wagon used during the Civil War. The exhibit provides context about the logistical challenges and the contents of the wagons, which included supplies and wounded soldiers.

On the stormy night of July 4th, 1863, 5,000 Union troops, including notable Generals George Armstrong Custer and Judson Kilpatrick, launched an assault on this retreating convoy.

Historical marker at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, describing the Battle of Monterey Pass. The marker details the events of July 4-5, 1863, when the Michigan Cavalry Brigade intercepted the retreating Army of Northern Virginia during a torrential rainstorm, leading to a chaotic night battle. The marker is set against a backdrop of a stone building, vibrant greenery, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

The ensuing battle was marked by confusion and chaos, intensified by a thunderstorm and near-total darkness.

Informational sign at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, titled "Weather Conditions." The sign details the impact of the weather during the night of July 4-5, 1863, on the battle, describing the darkness, lightning, and heavy rain that made the battle unique. It includes a quote from Luther Hopkins of the 6th Virginia Cavalry, CSA, describing the ominous clouds and torrential rain. The sign features an image of stormy clouds and a chart explaining how thunderstorms are formed, providing historical and meteorological context for visitors.

Despite the challenging conditions, the Union cavalry managed to capture over 1,000 Confederate soldiers and destroyed hundreds of wagons, impeding but ultimately not preventing the Confederate retreat.

Historical marker at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, titled "Brown's Spring." The sign commemorates General Judson Kilpatrick's capture of 1,500 prisoners and a 9-mile-long wagon train during Lee's retreat. The marker is bright blue with yellow lettering, set against a background of dense green foliage and a wooden fence.

The Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum Today

Today, visitors can explore miles of trails offering stunning vistas of the area and walk a segment of the original road used by the Confederate wagon train.

A wooded trail at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, featuring a narrow path surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. The trail is lined with fallen leaves, rocks, and small plants, creating a serene and natural setting for visitors to explore the historic landscape.

One of the highlights is the observation deck at Monterey Peak, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

Wooden observation deck at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The deck is equipped with a coin-operated binocular viewer and is surrounded by a wooden railing. The scene includes lush green hills, distant mountains, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, providing a stunning and serene vantage point for visitors.

The park also boasts some of North America’s oldest rock formations.

Informational sign at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, titled "Monterey Peak: The Oldest Rocks in North America?" The sign describes the geological history of the rock formations in the area, which are among the oldest on the continent, formed millions of years ago when the area was below sea level. It details the processes of deposition, uplifting, and weathering that shaped the current landscape. The sign includes historical drawings of the area and mentions nearby historical mining activities and rock formations, such as the Devil's Race Course.

Open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to dusk, the park’s trails are well-marked with interpretive signs that narrate the battle’s story across six key stops.

Gravel trail at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, leading to Monterey Peak. The trail is surrounded by dense forest with tall trees and lush green ferns. A sign provides information about the trail, including its length, surface type, width, and slope details. The sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for hikers.

The museum enhances this historical journey with its collection of artifacts, maps, and exhibits that provide deeper insights into the Battle of Monterey Pass and the Confederate retreat.

Exhibit at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, featuring displays on the organization of Civil War infantry and artillery. The exhibit includes informational panels with photographs, diagrams, and descriptions, as well as a rifle mounted on the wall and a uniform displayed in a glass case. A glass display case contains various Civil War artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the military structure and equipment used during the war.

Outside the museum, several historical markers, including a Pennsylvania marker from 1940 and a Michigan marker dedicated in 2015 (one of only eight outside the state), commemorate the site’s significance.

Historical marker at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, dedicated to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade. The sign details the formation of the brigade in December 1862, its components, and its role in the Civil War, including leadership by General George A. Custer. The marker highlights the brigade's significant contributions, including repelling General J.E.B. Stuart's Confederate cavalry and participating in major campaigns until the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. Nine brigade members received Medals of Honor for their heroism. The background includes a grassy area, trees, and part of a wagon.

The park and museum also hosts periodic living history demonstrations.

A group of Confederate Civil War reenactors posing in formation at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The reenactors are dressed in authentic period uniforms and gear, with rifles stacked in the center. They are standing in a grassy area surrounded by trees, creating a historically evocative scene.

In 2024, I visited Monterey Pass during the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Civil War reenactor campsite at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The scene features two canvas tents set up on a grassy area, one displaying a banner that reads "Union Forever" with a shield emblem. In front of the tents, rifles are stacked together in a tripod formation, along with various pieces of period equipment. The background includes trees and additional tents, creating an authentic historical setting.

On that weekend, Civil War reenactors were recreating part of the Confederate retreat march along Maria Furnace Road, the actual route used by the Confederate army 161 years earlier.

A group of Confederate Civil War reenactors marching in formation at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The reenactors are dressed in authentic period uniforms, carrying rifles, and walking through a grassy area with trees and foliage in the background. The scene captures the historical reenactment atmosphere and the commitment of the participants.

Final Thoughts

Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum offer a unique blend of Civil War history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Display case at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a variety of Civil War artifacts. Items include a 12 lb Confederate cannonball, Springfield bayonet with leather scabbard, cavalry spurs with boot straps, .58 cal Gardner bullets, Parrot shell shrapnel piece, Schenkl shell combination fuse, broken bayonet, and various other pieces of shrapnel and ammunition. The exhibit provides detailed labels and historical context for each item.

The park’s ability to preserve such an important yet often overlooked battle provides invaluable insights into the Civil War’s complexities.

Informational sign at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, detailing the 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle, a common American Civil War artillery piece used by both Union and Confederate armies. The sign includes a photo of the rifle, specifications, and its significance during the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Monterey Pass.

The serene environment juxtaposed with the historical gravity of the events that took place here creates a profound experience for all visitors.

Scenic view from Monterey Peak at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The image captures a vast expanse of lush green hills and valleys, with a mixture of dense forests and open areas. A lone, leafless tree stands prominently in the foreground, surrounded by vibrant greenery. The sky is bright blue with scattered fluffy clouds, adding to the picturesque and tranquil atmosphere of the scene.

Every corner of the park resonates with the echoes of the past, inviting you to step back in time and reimagine history for yourself.

Informational display at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, titled "The Battle of Monterey Pass July 4-5, 1863: A Night to Remember." The display includes detailed text about the battle, photographs of Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick and Brigadier General William Jones, and discusses the strategic movements and engagements between Union and Confederate forces during the battle.

For more information, please visit the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Gift shop area at Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The display includes t-shirts, hats, and walking sticks for sale, arranged around a window with a wooden frame. A wooden bookshelf holds various books related to the Civil War, along with small collectible items. Framed artwork and historical prints are also available, providing a variety of souvenirs and educational materials for visitors.

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The Gettysburg Campaign trenches in Bedford County are historic earthworks constructed in June 1863 by local militia to defend against a potential Confederate invasion during the Civil War.

A collage of four images related to the Gettysburg Campaign trenches in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a dirt trench winding through a forest, with trees and ferns lining the path. The top right photo is a Pennsylvania historical marker detailing the construction of the entrenchments by Colonel J.C. Higgins' militia in June 1863 to defend the Altoona railroad. The bottom left image is a portrait of Colonel Jacob Higgins, dressed in his military uniform with his cavalry hat resting on a table beside him. The bottom right photo shows a sign explaining that 1,500 militia men under Higgins constructed the entrenchments, with the threat ending after the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. The collage visually captures key elements of the historic defenses in Bedford County during the Civil War.

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