Intense development pressure threatens the fragile Monocacy Battlefield.

Intense development pressure is threatening the fragile Monocacy National Battlefield in Maryland. At the time of the American Civil War, Monocacy Junction was a small but strategically important point where the main road to the District of Columbia crossed the Monocacy River. This convergence of transportation systems led both Union and Confederate armies to pass through here in 1862 on their way to Antietam, and again in 1863 on the way to Gettysburg. At this time, the park encompasses approximately 1,650 acres, almost all of which has been purchased or is covered by scenic easements.