Whether you are a serious student of the Civil War or a casual observer, the quiet, rolling farmland of the Antietam Battlefield tells the story of one of the most pivotal battles in American history in a way you can’t get from books or maps. A visit to the battlefield is a walk back in time where you can see the terrain as the soldiers saw it, and follow in their footsteps through a series of hiking trails, if you wish. Original stone-arch bridges, period farmsteads, and ‘witness trees’ are all part of the experience.

As a retired Army officer and U.S. War College graduate, I’ve had a life-long interest in the elements of battles and the experiences of those who fought them. Antietam captured my imagination decades ago when I picked up a book of then-and-now photographs and realized the truly unique place Antietam holds among Civil War battlefields. My fascination grew through individual stories of sacrifice, courage, fear and survival from the soldiers who took part in the bloodiest day in American history.

I look forward to being your guide and sharing those stories with you! You can reach me at marfutl@aol.com.