Antietam National Battlefield (U.S. Civil War Site)

The Antietam National Battlefield is a 3,230-acre Park that was established on August 30, 1890 to preserve the battlefield site and honor those who fought here.  This Battlefield was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.

On September 17, 1862, the Battle of Antietam (aka Battle of Sharpsburg) was the first battle of the Civil War to be fought on Union ground. The 12 hours of fierce fighting resulted in more than 23,000 casualties (killed, wounded, or missing) making it one of the bloodiest single-day battles in the history of this nation. 

So, why is this battle known by two different names?  

The Union soldiers tended to name battles after landmarks (water sources like creeks/rivers) while the Confederate troops named battles after nearby towns or railroad junctions.    

The Visitor Center is closed when we arrive at 5:15 p.m.  When it is open, you can view a 26-minute film and browse through the museum.  By the way, there are restrooms at the Visitor Center and at Stop 11 but no where else along the auto tour. 

The Park offers 10 trails where you can hike through the battlefield site.  Most average 1.5 miles but there is a ¼ mile paved trail near the Visitor Center.  We start our visit by walking this short trail. The pathway passes by the 20^th New York Monument and the New York State Monument.  

Cannon & 20th New York Monument

New York State Monument

Across the street is the Ohio Monument and the famous Dunker Church.  The church received its share of battle scars from bullets and artillery fire damaging its walls and roof.  Within two years, the church was repaired and rededicated.  Regular services continued here for another 35 years or so.

Ohio Monument

Dunker Church

From the Dunker Church we can see the Maryland Monument which is located across the road. 

View of Dunker Church from Maryland Monument

Maryland Monument

At this point, we return to the Visitor Center and begin driving part of the 8.5 mile self-guided auto tour.  It has a total of 11 stops.  The Dunker Church was Stop 1.   

NPS Map

Road Along the Auto Tour

Since the park closes at sunset, we need to pick and choose what we want to do.  We drive by Stop 6 (Mumma Farm) and Stop 7 (Union Advance) because we want to spend some time at the Sunken Road.

At Stop 8 is the Sunken Road (aka Bloody Lane) and Observation Tower.  If you do not hike any other trail, I recommend taking a walk down the Sunken Road.  This now peaceful lane is where some of the fiercest fighting occurred.  Over 2,200 Confederate troops were positioned behind the wooden fence along the sunken road.  After about three hours of intense combat, the fighting finally quieted down leaving 5,500 soldiers dead or wounded in the field or on the road.  Soldiers described it as “the road of death” and from then on it was known as “Bloody Lane”.  Please be respectful and quiet while you visit these grounds. 

The sun is casting a warm glow on the wooden fences that line the historic lane.  We pause at the Pennsylvania Monument.  It is one of 96 monuments here at Antietam National Battlefield. 

Sunken Road

Pennsylvania Monument & Tower

Pennsylvania Monument

During the battle, there were six generals killed or mortally wounded.  An inverted cannon barrel in a block of stone marks the location of where these generals fell.  I saw two of these cannons on Bloody Lane near the Observation Tower.

Tower & Inverted Blue-colored Cannon (on right)

We climb the 69 steps to the top of the Observation Tower for an outstanding view of the countryside.

Tower's Shadow

View of Road & Fence from Tower

We are running out of time and want to see Burnside Bridge.  On the road to the bridge we notice the Sherrick Farmhouse and the Otto Farmhouse.  

At Stop 9 is the Lower Bridge (aka Burnside Bridge) which opened in 1836.  This photogenic stone bridge has three arches and spans Antietam Creek. It is considered the iconic symbol for Antietam National Battlefield.  Normally, foot traffic is allowed to cross the bridge (there are trails here).  However the bridge is closed during our 2016 visit while restoration is being done on it.  So, we view the historic bridge from an observation platform above Antietam Creek. 

Lower Bridge (aka Burnside Bridge) over Antietam Creek

We walk around the area and see some deer but the sun is setting and it is time to leave.  In fact, a park ranger is sitting in his vehicle waiting to clear everyone out and close the park road. 

LOCATION & CONTACT INFORMATION:  Antietam National Battlefield (U.S. Civil War site), 302 E Main St, Sharpsburg, MD in Washington County (North of Sharpsburg off MD 45 or 10 miles south of Hagerstown)

Telephone:  (301) 432-5124

The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset.    

This is a fee area and requires a park pass (daily or annual).   If you do not have one, you can purchase a pass for Antietam at the Visitor Center.  For more information, please refer to the NPS link "Plan Your Visit" at the end of this blog post.   

If you enjoy Civil War history, I invite you to view my other blog posts by clicking on the following links:
Monocacy National Battlefield (MD)
Gettysburg NMP (PA)

Due to our vacation schedule and route, we spent the night at a national chain hotel in Weirton, West Virginia.  However, there are plenty of dining and lodging options in the Sharpsburg area near the Antietam National Battlefield.  Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on eating and sleeping options.  

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To start planning your memorable trip to Antietam National Battlefield click on the “Plan Your Visit” link below:

NPS - Visiting Antietam NB