About This Park
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
Activities
Current Alerts
Sherrick Farm Trail Detour
There is a detour on the trail due to downed trees. Our staff is working diligently to remove these from the trail.
More detailsArtifacts Removed From Museum
Due to leaks and humidity issues, most of the historic artifacts have been taken off exhibit to protect them until these issues have been resolved. Exhibit area is still open including text panels, maps, and hands-on-exhibits.
More detailsLoading map...
Photos
The National Cemetery Lodge Building sits just inside the gates of the cemetery.
Credit: NPS Antietam/ BBaracz
Looking east along the south edge of The Cornfield.
Credit: NPS Antietam/ BBaracz
Placing more than 500 cannons on high ground, both armies were able to effectively strike enemy troop positions at great distances.
Credit: NPS Photo
Burnside Bridge in the snow from the Union side of Antietam Creek.
Credit: NPS
Spring at the Battlefield.
Credit: NPS Antietam/ BBaracz
The Dunker Church covered in snow.
Credit: NPS Antietam/ BBaracz
130th Pennsylvania Monument at Bloody Lane
Credit: NPS
Artillery played a key role at Antietam. Over 500 cannon were involved in the fighting.
Credit: NPS
View from the visitor center looking toward Bloody Lane at sunset
Credit: NPS
14th Connecticut Monument, just north of the Sunken Road.
Credit: NPS Antietam/ BBaracz
Private Soldier Monument at the cemetery
Credit: NPS
Plan Your Visit
Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center
The visitor center is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
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.
5831 Dunker Church RoadSharpsburg, MD 21782
Operating Hours
The visitor center is located ten miles south of I-70, on Maryland Route 65.
More detailsAntietam 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.
5831 Dunker Church RoadSharpsburg, MD 21782
Operating Hours
The visitor center is located ten miles south of I-70, on Maryland Route 65.
More detailsThings to Do
The Union Advance Trail at Antietam
Hike the Union Advance Trail to learn about the fighting around the famous Burnside Bridge.
Duration: 30-90 Minutes
Learn more
Visit Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center
The should be the first stop for every visitor to Antietam. Rangers and volunteers provide maps and information to help ...
Duration: 20 Minutes
Learn more
Take a short hike on the Tidball Trail
A short walk/hike that is about 1/2 mile roundtrip.
Duration: 20-60 Minutes
Learn more
Take a Short Walk on the Antietam Remembered Trail
A 1/4 mile walk around the area adjacent to the park visitor center that explores connected subjects to the battle.
Duration: 10-45 Minutes
Learn moreLesson Plans
Antietam Then and Now
Students will be able to: Distinguish between past, present, and future time. Explain change and continuity over time. Draw upon the visual data presented in photographs, paintings, and drawings. Analyze illustrations in historical stories.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)Freedom at Antietam
Evaluate provisions of the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln's reasons for issuing it, and its significance. Explain the causes of the Civil War and evaluate the importance of slavery as a principal cause of the conflict by analyzing the Emancipation Proclamation. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge opinions.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)The Bloodiest Day in American History -- Hope for Freedom
Evaluate provisions of the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln's reasons for issuing it and its significance. Explain the causes of the Civil War and evaluate the importance of slavery as a principal cause of the conflict. Identify the turning points of the war and evaluate how political, military and diplomatic leadership affected the outcome. Determine the central ideas of a primary or secondary source and provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)War at Your Doorstep: The Story of the Mumma Family at the Battle of Antietam
1. Name three impacts of the Battle of Antietam on the local citizens. 2. Explain what happened to the Mumma farm and Mumma family during the Battle of Antietam. 3. Use primary and secondary sources to perform historic research. 4. Analyze and interpret a historic building, structure, or site in their community. 5. Demonstrate the value of historic places.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)Women in the Civil War
1. Name four roles that women had during the Civil War. 2. Describe four contributions women made to the war effort. 3. Explain three difficulties women faced during the Civil War.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)Explore the full collection of educator resources from the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
Part of the 9/11 Trail
Antietam National Battlefield is one of the National Park Service sites connected by the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, a 1,500+ mile pathway of remembrance linking the three 9/11 memorial sites.
Park information provided by the National Park Service. Data refreshed daily.