Antietam National Battlefield

About Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield preserves the site of the bloodiest single day in American history. On September 17, 1862, more than 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing after twelve hours of savage combat along the banks of Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland. For Pine Ridge campers interested in Civil War history, this battlefield is an essential complement to nearby Gettysburg.

The battle proved a turning point in the war. Though tactically inconclusive, the Union army's ability to halt Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North gave President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, fundamentally changing the purpose of the war. This context makes Antietam one of the most consequential battlefields in American history.

The park's 8.5-mile auto tour route passes through all the major battlefield landmarks. Stop at the Dunker Church, walk the Sunken Road (known as Bloody Lane), visit Burnside Bridge, and survey the fields where thousands clashed. Each stop features interpretive waysides that explain the action and the human cost. The visitor center's museum and film provide excellent orientation before your tour.

As a Pine Ridge seasonal camper, you can explore both Gettysburg and Antietam to gain a fuller understanding of the Civil War in this region. The 45-minute drive south crosses into Maryland through beautiful rural countryside, making the journey itself part of the experience.

What to Expect

• Self-Guided Auto Tour: The 8.5-mile driving tour passes eleven stops covering all major phases of the battle, from the Cornfield to Burnside Bridge, with interpretive waysides at each location.
• Visitor Center & Museum: Start your visit with the museum exhibits and orientation film that provide essential context about the battle and its significance to the war.
• Historic Landmarks: Walk the Sunken Road (Bloody Lane), cross Burnside Bridge, visit the restored Dunker Church, and stand where history's course was altered.
• Antietam National Cemetery: The adjacent national cemetery holds the remains of 4,776 Union soldiers, with Memorial Day and anniversary programs honoring their sacrifice.