The “Bloodiest Single-day of Battle” of the Civil War took place at Antietam, near Sharpsburg. Park living history programs at Antietam National Battlefield provide a glimpse into the lives of Civil War soldiers. Learn about Civil War medicine at the Pry House Museum. Annual events include an Independence Day concert and December’s Antietam Memorial Illumination, with 23,110 lights placed along a five-mile driving route.
As the autumn of 1862 approached, President Abraham Lincoln felt he needed a decisive Union victory to ensure that there would be support for a yet-to-be-announced proclamation freeing the slaves. It’s still debatable just how decisive the slaughter at Antietam – remembered as “The Bloodiest Single Day of the Civil War” – truly was. By sheer numbers, the Sept. 17 battle ended in a draw, with 10,7000 Confederates and 12,4000 Union soldiers killed, wounded or missing in action. However, General George McClellan’s Union army thwarted the Rebel advance north, and a few days after the cannons fell silent, Lincoln visited the battlefield.
This byway roughly follows the chronology of events beginning Sept. 4, as General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia crossed the Potomac River into Maryland, and ending two weeks later as Lee’s forces limped back into West Virginia. The byway brings you face to face with both familiar and lesser-known Civil War stories, while also placing you among breathtaking scenery and convenient recreational opportunities.
126 miles – Allow 4 hours to drive the byway.
Days Open: Year Round
Hours: 9 AM – Sunset
In Washington County, four miles east of Boonsboro and 1 1/2 miles north of Alternate Route 40 on Monument Road, Washington Monument State Park is named for the first monument in the country erected to the Father of our Country, George Washington. A rugged stone tower was dedicated to the first president by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827. Picnicing, hiking, historic interests, picnic shelters available with reservation.
Days Open: By Appointment
African American Heritage site, dedicated to preserving the history of the first black church and Freedmen’s Bureau school, in Sharpsburg, MD. A wayside marker is located on the property for more information.
Days Open: 7 days a week
Hours: 8:30 AM – Dusk
At Sharpsburg, the site of the bloodiest single day battle in American history. Casualties totaled more than 23,000 on September 17, 1862. Clara Barton cared for wounded soldiers here. Visit Dunker Church, Bloody Lane, Burnside Bridge and the Visitor’s Center. Open year round. Admission to Visitors Center. Driving tours.
Days Open: Daily Apr – Oct / Weekends Nov – Mar
Hours: Apr – Oct 10am – 5pm / Nov – Mar 11am – 4 pm
At Crystal Grottoes, we pride ourselves on offering an educational and worthwhile trip with competent, accommodating, and well-informed guides, capable of explaining the history, formations, and geological aspects of the Caverns. The spectacular tour takes forty minutes, and is guided through brilliantly lighted chambers on dry, clean walkways.
Days Open: Park open year-round and museum open April-October on weekends
Hours: Museum open April-October on weekends from Noon-5 PM
Astride the ridge known as South Mountain, near Burkittsville at Crampton’s Gap, lies Gathland State Park. The home of an unusual man, Gathland was an architecturally unique estate made up of as many as 20 structures, many of them built of rugged stone, individual in purpose and design. A number of buildings still stand, and the remains of others may be seen by visitors to the park. The park’s museum includes exhibits on Townsend’s personal life, Gathland’s past and tells the story of the Battle of Crampton’s Gap. A self-guided walking tour of the estate is available by contacting the park.
Days Open: Saturday & Sundays (other days by Appointment)
Hours: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Depicting the heritage of local farming life, this museum displays antique farm equipment, an authentic turn-of-the-century country store, and model rooms of a typical 19th century farmhouse and a gift shop. Located off Route 65, first building at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center. Any size groups are welcome.
Days Open: Daily
Hours: 8am to Dusk
Begin your visit of South Mountain Battlefield at the Washington Monument State Park Office and Museum at 6620 Zittlestown Road in Boonsboro; or Gathland State Park in Burkittsville, MD.
July 13 – 20, 2019
Sharpsburg Pike, MD
The Washington County Ag Expo and Fair provides fun for the whole family! Come out for the day or take advantage of our passes. The Gate & Events Pass offers unlimited access to the fair and track events all week. Parking is free.
All Gate Admission Passes include Open Class and 4-H/FFA exhibits and shows, Live Bands, Machinery and Equipment displays, Business displays, and many weekly activities! Carnival rides not included in general admission.
The mission of the foundation is to preserve land(s) on which the battle was fought. Nearly 7,000 Union cavalry and light artillery attached Gen. Robert E. Lee’s rear guard of almost 3,000 infantrymen near Williamsport, MD, on the morning and early afternoon of July 14, 1863. Much of the battle was fought approximately two miles from the Falling Waters crossing over the Potomac River. Only 11 days after “Picket’s Charge” in Gettysburg, it is considered the final battle of the Gettysburg Campaign. It is sometimes confused with the unrelated Battle of Falling Waters (Hoke’s Run) in West Virginia two years earlier.
Days Open: Tours by appointment
Kennedy Farm, Maryland a national historic landmark, used during the summer of 1859 by John Brown and his Provisional Army of the United States. From this house in 1859, John Brown, the storied abolitionist, seized the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry, just across the Potomac River. Recently restored, this log house is on the National Registry. Open summer weekends.
Days Open: May-Sept Sundays Only
Hours: Sun. 1-5PM and by appt.
“One of the best little museums in America” and “a miniature Smithsonian. The museum houses a vast and unique collection of historical objects of local and national importance. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to objects found on local Civil War battlefields, there is something for everyone at the Boonsborough Museum of History. Just a few of the things visitors will see include: a letter written by Clara Barton, a chair used in the Lincoln White House, a large collection of firearms from around the world, a one-of-a-kind collection of carved bullets from the Civil War, objects associated with local folklore and magic and beautiful antique glassware and pottery.
Hours: 8am – Dusk
South Mountain State Park is a 40-mile long multi-use state park weaving along the South Mountain ridge from the Pennsylvania line to the Potomac River. It has no distinguishable boundary or entrance facility. South Mountain State Park can be accessed at a number of locations. Most of the park is only accessible by foot. Five beautiful state parks on the Eastern edge of Washington County. Adventure guides and brochures are available at Greenbrier State Park.
Nestled on 100 rolling acres in Maryland’s Pleasant Valley, Big Cork Vineyards embodies the bold and expressive landscape of our heritage. Picturesque mountain view, elegant tasting room, national and international award-winning wines, along with a Grab-and-Go Market. Open year round. Check the website for dates and times.
Days Open: Thursday – Monday
Hours: Thursday – Monday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Fridays until 9:00 pm (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Days Open: April-November
Hours: 11am-5pm April, May, Oct, Nov; weekends only. June-Sept: daily.
The historic Newcomer House at Antietam National Battlefield is the site of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Exhibit and Visitor Center
Complimentary site to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine’s main location, focusing on battlefield medicine after Antietam. Located in the historic Philip Pry House and barn. Exhibits, educational programs, special events.
The 1/4-mile N.H.R.A. drag strip’s season runs Mar-Nov Racing is open to street cars, imports, race cars, motorcycles and sleds.
Days Open: 7 days
Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Sun. 7am – 1pm
Founded in 1849, St. Mark’s has served the community as a place of worship, education and service.
Days Open: Daily
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park Grounds are open daylight hours.
The Bloodiest One Day Battle in American History where 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s first invasion into the North and led to Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Antietam National Battlefield is one of the most pristine Civil War battlefields in the country.
Days Open: May -Oct on the 4th Sunday
Hours: 1-4 PM
The Bowman House is a log house in Boonsboro, Maryland, United States, typical of those built in the area in the early 19th century. It and its immediate grounds housed the “Boonsboro Pottery” from 1868, owned by John E. Bowman. The pottery closed by 1908, succumbing to mass-produced materials. The building is now the headquarters of the Boonsboro Historical Society.
Days Open: Daily
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park Grounds are open daylight hours.
The Bloodiest One Day Battle in American History where 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s first invasion into the North and led to Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Antietam National Battlefield is one of the most pristine Civil War battlefields in the country.
Days Open: 7 days a week
Hours: 8:30 AM – Dusk
At Sharpsburg, the site of the bloodiest single day battle in American history. Casualties totaled more than 23,000 on September 17, 1862. Clara Barton cared for wounded soldiers here. Visit Dunker Church, Bloody Lane, Burnside Bridge and the Visitor’s Center. Open year round. Admission to Visitors Center. Driving tours.
