Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield, located in Sharpsburg, Maryland, commemorates the historic Battle of Antietam, one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War. The battlefield spans over 3,000 acres of rolling farmland and wooded areas where the battle unfolded on September 17, 1862.

As the first major battle to take place on Northern soil, Antietam was a crucial turning point in the Civil War. The battle resulted in over 23,000 casualties and was a strategic victory for the Union, as it halted Confederate General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North. The high casualty rate brought attention to the need for a nursing system, which eventually led to the establishment of the American Red Cross.

Visitors to Antietam National Battlefield can explore the park's numerous historical sites and monuments, including the iconic Dunker Church, where intense fighting occurred during the battle. The Visitor Center provides a comprehensive overview of the battle through exhibits, films, and artifacts that shed light on the significance and impact of the conflict.

A key attraction within the battlefield is the National Cemetery, where visitors can pay homage to the soldiers who lost their lives during the battle. The cemetery's solemn atmosphere and rows of white headstones serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War.

Besides exploring the battlefield, visitors can also take part in ranger programs and guided tours that delve deeper into the historical context and military strategies employed during the battle. Guided hikes are available to explore the scenic landscape while reflecting on the events that unfolded.

For those seeking further historical exploration, nearby attractions include the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, which provides insights into the medical practices and challenges faced during the Civil War, as well as the South Mountain State Battlefield, where an earlier engagement between Union and Confederate forces took place just days before the Battle of Antietam.

Antietam National Battlefield serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made during the American Civil War and provides an opportunity to learn about a pivotal moment in American history.

Antietam National Battlefield is situated in the western part of Maryland, within the heart of the picturesque landscape of Washington County. Nestled along the banks of Antietam Creek, the battlefield spans across the undulating valleys, rolling hills, and serene farmlands that typify the region. Surrounded by charming small towns like Sharpsburg, Keedysville, and Boonsboro, the site captures the essence of rural Maryland. Located approximately 70 miles northwest of Baltimore, the national battlefield offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the powerful convergence of history, nature, and topography within this captivating geographical setting.

Address & Contact

5831 Dunker Church Rd.
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
Driving Directions
Phone: 3014325124
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Antietam National Battlefield would be between May and September when the average maximum temperatures range from 74°F to 87°F. During this period, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months ranges from 3.8 in to 5.4 in, which is moderately favorable for exploring the battlefield.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Antietam National Battlefield are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Hiking Living History Self-Guided Tours - Auto Historic Weapons Demonstration Group Camping

Topics

Learn about these topics at Antietam National Battlefield: Presidents Architecture and Building Arts Trails Military US Army African American Heritage Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Schools and Education Women's History Infantry and Militia Artillery Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Enslavement Medicine National Cemetery Reconstruction

Visitor Centers

Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center

After an extensive rehab project, the visitor center reopened in September 2023. Due to unforeseen water leaks and humidity issues, all the historic artifacts have been taken off exhibit to protect them until these issues have been resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience to your battlefield experience.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Antietam National Battlefield

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Antietam National Battlefield

Red Roof Inn Hagerstown - Williamsport, MD

Located in Williamsport, Red Roof Inn Hagerstown - Williamsport, MD is within a 5-minute drive of Potomac River and Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 310 E Potomac Street, Williamsport, Maryland 21795
Web: Link

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Hagerstown, MD

Located in Hagerstown, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Hagerstown, MD is connected to a shopping center, a 2-minute drive from Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum and 6 minutes from Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 17612 Valley Mall Rd, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town, WV

A stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town, WV places you in the heart of Charles Town, a 2-minute drive from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and 6 minutes from Old Opera House. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Charles Town? This hotel has facilities measuring 600 square feet (54 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 157 Pimlico Dr, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
Web: Link

The Hillside Hotel

Located in Knoxville, The Hillside Hotel is a 3-minute drive from Maryland Heights and 6 minutes from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 19105 Keep Tryst Road, Knoxville, Maryland 21758
Web: Link

Motel 6 Charles Town, WV

Located in Charles Town, Motel 6 Charles Town, WV is within a 5-minute drive of Zion Episcopal Church Cemetery and Charles Town Library. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 106 Jefferson Terrace Road, Charles Town, West Virginia 25212
Web: Link

Travelodge by Wyndham Brunswick near Frederick

Located in Brunswick, Travelodge by Wyndham Brunswick near Frederick is within a 10-minute drive of Catoctin Valley and South Mountain State Park. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 620 Souder Road, Brunswick, Maryland 21716
Web: Link

Grove Guest House

Located in Frederick, Grove Guest House is in a rural location, within a 10-minute drive of Westview Promenade and Schifferstadt. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5936 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick, Maryland 21703
Web: Link

Inn at Stone Manor

When you stay at Inn at Stone Manor in Middletown, you'll be 12 minutes by car from Gathland State Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5820 Carroll Boyer Road, Middletown, Maryland 21769
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brunswick - Harpers Ferry Area

Located in Knoxville, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brunswick - Harpers Ferry Area is in the mountains, within a 15-minute drive of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a computer station, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1501 Village Green Way, Knoxville, Maryland 21716
Web: Link

Home2 Suites by Hilton Martinsburg, WV

Located in Martinsburg, Home2 Suites by Hilton Martinsburg, WV is a 2-minute drive from Martinsburg Mall and 6 minutes from Wonderment Puppet Theater. Featured amenities include a business center, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 820 FOXCROFT AVENUE, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401
Web: Link