Antietam National Cemetery

Antietam National Cemetery, located in Sharpsburg, Maryland, is a historic site dedicated to honoring the brave soldiers who fought and lost their lives during the Battle of Antietam, which took place on September 17, 1862, during the American Civil War. This cemetery was established in 1864, making it one of the oldest national cemeteries in the United States.

With an area of about 11.36 acres, Antietam National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 4,776 Union soldiers. The cemetery is beautifully maintained and features rows of white headstones, each marking a fallen hero. One notable feature of the cemetery is the centrally located monument that commemorates the soldiers of the Union's Fifth Corps.

Visitors to Antietam National Cemetery can pay their respects and reflect upon the courage and sacrifices made by these soldiers. The serene and peaceful atmosphere offers a somber reminder of the devastating battle that took place on the surrounding fields. As visitors wander among the grave markers, they can gain a deeper understanding of the scale and impact of the Battle of Antietam.

Nearby, the Antietam National Battlefield Park provides an opportunity to explore the site of this historical battle. Visitors can take guided tours or venture along the self-guided driving or walking routes to learn about key battle locations, such as the Cornfield, Bloody Lane, and Burnside Bridge. The visitor center at the park offers informative exhibits and a bookstore, helping visitors delve into the history of the area.

For those interested in delving further into American history, the town of Sharpsburg itself provides charming attractions. Sharpsburg boasts several quaint shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts that capture the small-town feel of rural Maryland. Additionally, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Shepherdstown, West Virginia, are within driving distance, offering additional recreational activities, historical sites, and natural beauty for visitors to explore.

Overall, Antietam National Cemetery is a poignant commemoration of fallen soldiers from the Battle of Antietam. Its proximity to the Antietam National Battlefield Park and other nearby attractions makes it an excellent destination for both history enthusiasts and those seeking a scenic and educational experience.

Located in Sharpsburg, Maryland, Antietam National Cemetery sits atop a gentle slope overlooking the historic Antietam Battlefield. Nestled within the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in the central region of the state, this hallowed ground holds a significant place in American history. Surrounded by rolling farmlands and picturesque landscapes, the cemetery's proximity to Antietam Creek adds to its tranquil allure. The peacefulness of its setting belies the fierce battle that raged here during the Civil War. With its rich historical heritage and natural beauty, Antietam National Cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for the preservation of our nation's unity.

Address & Contact

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

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Antietam National Cemetery would be in May or June, when the average maximum temperature is 74°F and 82°F respectively. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. However, May has a higher average monthly precipitation of 5.4 inches, compared to June's 4.3 inches. Therefore, June might be considered slightly more ideal in terms of precipitation.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Antietam National Cemetery 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 Cemetery: 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 Cemetery

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

Hotels within or near Antietam National Cemetery

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