Join Civil War professional John Galie as he walks you through guided tours of the battle that took place on July 4th, 1863. Walk the road taken by a 20 mile long wagon train, a part of Gen Robert E. Lee’s retreat. Finish at the road Union cavalry (including Brig Gen George Armstrong Custer) used to cut them off and destroy Confederates supplies.
Walking tours are fre. Times of the walks are:
11 AM and 2 PM on Saturday, and 11 AM on Sunday. Meet at the Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum.
Join Monterey Pass Battlefield on May 15-16 for Infantry and Artillery demonstrations daily by the 2nd Maryland Artillery and 2nd Maryland Infantry Co. D, who maintain the traditions of the “Independent Greys” * of the Civil War. Modern day Independent Greys are “living history campaigners” who teach about Confederate Marylanders’ roles in the Civil War. They strive to re-create the best impressions of Marylanders possible based on research and documentation. In addition, we’ll be joined by John Galie, resident Monterey Pass battlefield guide, who will conduct walking tours of the battlefield.
The name “Independent Greys” was used by several Maryland Militia infantry companies that formed a battalion within the 53rd Maryland Militia Regiment from 1859-1861. Shortly after the Baltimore Riot on April 19, 1861, it was clear Maryland would not secede. Most “53rd” members being pro “South”, the unit dissolved. Many went to Virginia to serve. Over 25,000 Marylanders served in the Confederate Army and found themselves serving in Virginia Regiments since Maryland, as a state, never seceded. Some of these units were known as Independent Greys. The 2nd MD Artillery, also known as the Baltimore Light Artillery, served in the Army of Northern VA primarily with Cavalry units until the end of the war.
Weekend Schedule
Artillery Demos: Daily 10am & 2pm
Infantry Reenactments: Sat 9:30am & 2:30pm Sun 9:30am & 1:30pm
Camp Life Open to Visit: Sat 9:30am – 5pm Sun 9:30am – 2pm
Monterey Pass Battlefield, is hosting a campfire pork roast on June 29, 11 AM to 5 PM. All the trimmings will be served with the roast plus corn soup and beans cooked in kettles over the campfire. Beverages include lemonade and iced tea.
Throughout the 125-acre site will include living history portrayers, speaking during the day. Geo caches will be placed on the walking trails. Period artisans will be displaying their wares., including soap and honey. Tickets to enjoy the whole day at the site are $20. Take-out meals are $15. Monterey Pass includes the battlefield, museum, and walking trails with interpretive signage. The battlefield is the site of the second largest confrontation in Pennsylvania, fought as part of the retreat from Gettysburg in the late hours of July 4 and early hours of July 5.
The Monterey Pass Battlefield Park is a 125-acre natural, cultural and historical park, located along PA Route 16. The park includes Rolando Woods, Happel’s Meadow Wetlands, and Monterey Pass Museum. The history of the area dates back to 1747, when immigrants looking for a new life traveled through the area to Appalachia on the Great Wagon Road. Discover more on June 29.
