BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT—Monterey Pass Battlefield Park & Museum will open for the season on Saturday, April 8.
The park is a 125-acre natural, cultural and historical site that preserves a small portion of Pennsylvania’s second largest Civil War battle.
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.
The museum (14325 Buchanan Trail East) houses a collection of artifacts and has additional information about the Battle of Monterey Pass and the Confederate Retreat, as well as a selection of books for sale.
Museum hours are weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April through November. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Outdoor activities include a playground, pavilion which may be reserved through Washington Township, and spring house. Park hours are 8:00 a.m. to dusk.
The Monterey Peak Trail, a 2-mile loop, is mostly paved, but does offer some rougher terrain leading to the rocky outcrop overlook.
There are several events scheduled for this season including:
Friday, Apr. 14– Sunday, Apr. 16, “Military Encampment” Will feature the 69th Pa & 23rd NC, also blacksmith demonstrations
Saturday, May 20 “Civil War Living History”
Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. “Arts in the Park” Will feature local vendors and music by Mountain Air
Saturday, June 3– Saturday, June 25, “Annual Book Sale”
Saturday, June 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. “Summer Concert Series” The Plate Scrapers
Friday, June 23– Sunday, June 25, “W.S. Hancock Society Artillery Talks” Cannon demonstrations
Saturday, July 1– Sunday, July 2, “160 Anniversary Demonstration” Living history demonstrations, re-enactments, battlefield tours
Saturday, July 15 “Blue Ridge Summit Library Ice Cream Social”
Saturday, Aug. 12 “Relics Day” Civil War relics from Monterey Pass and other local sites
Friday, Sept. 22– Sunday, Sept. 24, “Living History Weekend” Will feature the 2nd USSS Co. C
Saturday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. “Summer Concert Series” Bobby D & The Truck Stop Burritos
