150 Years Ago…
Antietam Battlefield – Sept. 17, 2010
photo by David R. Maher
…just north of the Pennsylvania border, Louis Richards was encamped with the 2nd Pennsylvania Emergency Militia. In the early morning hours, he could hear, “A dull gruff belch, at irregular intervals, accompanied by a sense of concussion, [which] told the story of the distant conflict. This inspired strange and solemn feelings. Human lives were being offered up as a sacrifice upon the altar of our country, and thousands of homes would sit in dread suspense until it should be known upon whom the fatal blows had fallen.”
In the rolling farmland of western Maryland, two American armies waged brutal war on each other. After 12 hours of combat, the day finally came to a merciful end, and 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing; America’s bloodiest single day.
The “dull gruff belch” of artillery has long passed, and today we gather on and off of the Antietam Battlefield to remember those who have gone before us, in our country’s darkest days.
Scenic Antietam
For those that have visited Antietam before, you know how strikingly beautiful the scenery on and around the Battlefield is. Even if you know nothing of the history (something we aim to change, if true), the rolling terrain, purple-blue mountains, meandering creek, stunning skies, and peaceful wildlife alone makes Antietam worthy to be a part of the National Park system. All the more reason to get out there and walk the fields with an Antietam Battlefield Guide. As we get closer and closer to the remembrance of those 12 tragic hours of brutal combat on the hills and fields surrounding Antietam Creek and Sharpsburg, MD, take the time to step back and appreciate the startling contrast of the beauty of the land.
Enjoy…
(video by YouTube user tktodd)
(The following videos and images were created/shot by Antietam Battlefield Guide candidate Dave Maher)
Washington Monument
No, not THAT Washington Monument…
…THIS Washington Monument
Built in 1827 by the citizens of Boonsboro, MD, this 30 foot tall tower is the country’s first monument to President George Washington. Click here to learn more.
Built atop South Mountain, just a stone throw from the South Mountain Battlefields of Turner’s and Frosttown Gaps, and just above the Washington County town of Boonsboro, a quick climb up the stairs of the monument offers a spectacular view toward Pennsylvania to the north…
…and out toward West Virginia to the south.
However, if you know just where to look, and you have yourself a good pair of binoculars, you can see a few of our favorite landmarks.
Do you see them?
Maybe this will help…
Welcome to the official site for the Antietam Battlefield Guide Association. The Antietam Guides are a group of historians dedicated to providing outstanding interpretive tours of the Antietam Battlefield, as well as other sites related to the Maryland Campaign of 1862. The Antietam Guides are booked through the Antietam National Battlefield Museum Store. This site offers a listing of our battlefield guides, as well as updates about our programs, what our guides are up to, and information about Antietam National Battlefield. We hope to see you at the park soon!
Antietam Battlefield Guides 