Thomas and Worthington Farms: Cultural Landscape Report, Monocacy National Battlefield, National Park Service
Commisso M and Temkin M. 2013. Thomas and Worthington Farms: Cultural Landscape Report, Monocacy National Battlefield, National Park Service. Cultural Landscape Report. MONO 894 120281. NPS National Capital Regional Office. National Capital Regional Office
The Thomas and Worthington Farms are two component landscapes of Monocacy National Battlefield. About three miles south of Frederick, Maryland, these rural landscapes were the scene of significant action during the Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Monocacy (July 9, 1864). The two farms are considered together in this report because they were created largely out of one historic landholding by Griffin Taylor, between 1847 and 1851. They are also joined by the role they played in the Civil War battle. When Worthington Farm became part of the park in 1980, the National Park Service (NPS) restored the exterior of the house and removed most of the outbuildings, which dated to a later period. Although most of the features that existed at the time of the Civil War no longer exist, the landscape continues to retain its historic rural character through circulation systems, field and woodland patterns, and the main house. The Thomas Farm, acquired by the NPS in 2001, still contains a majority of the historic buildings and structures, including the eighteenth-century main house and the stone tenant house and a variety of later outbuildings. Additionally, natural systems and topography, circulation, and most of the agricultural field patterns reflect the historic period. While some historic resources from these sites are retained, both farms are faced with challenges related to effectively interpreting the battlefield landscape, modifying circulation to provide accessibility, and balancing natural and cultural values. The primary aim of this Cultural Landscape Report for the Thomas and Worthington Farms is to provide direction for the long-term management of both properties within the overall battlefield landscape. The report incorporates and expands upon the site history, existing conditions, and landscape characteristics, featuring information contained in the Monocacy National Battlefield and Thomas Farm (Araby) Cultural Landscape Inventories. It defines a framework for the treatment of the Thomas and Worthington farms and describes specific guidelines and tasks to enhance historic character in keeping with applicable National Park Service legislation, policies, guidelines, and planning. Specific direction on the treatment of the Thomas and Worthington farm landscapes is built largely upon the actions outlined in the park’s General Management Plan (2010). However, the Resources Stewardship Strategy (2011) and Long-Range Interpretive Plan (2009) are other planning documents that inform treatment of the battlefield along with short and long-term treatment tasks to preserve and enhance the historic character of both properties.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Commisso, Michael; Temkin, Martha
- Date of Issue
- 2013-06
- Publisher
- NPS National Capital Regional Office
- Units
- MONO , NCR
- Keywords
- 1724-1915, Agriculture, Araby, Battle of Monocacy, Battle Site, Battlefield, Civil War, Clifton, Commemorative Landscape, Cultural Landscape Report, Frederick, Interpretative Landscape, Maryland, Monocacy River, Thomas Farm, Vernacular Landscape, Worthington Farm
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Human Use | Cultural Landscapes | Cultural Landscapes , CRIS-CL: 600201: Monocacy National Battlefield , CRIS-CL: 600294: Thomas Farm (Araby) , CRIS-CL: 600204: Worthington Farm (Clifton)