The Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg)
Tour dates: May 2-5, 2019 — headquarters hotel: Hagerstown, Maryland
Walk the battlefield next spring with renowned Maryland Campaign historian Thomas Clemens. Professor Clemens will conduct a comprehensive examination of the sites and scenes of the bloodiest day of battle in American history.
We'll gather on Thursday evening for a pizza reception at our hotel, and to hear an orientation talk by our guide. Friday and Saturday will be all-day bus and walking tours of Harpers Ferry, Sharpsburg and the Antietam battlefield proper, and the Battle of Shepherdstown (aka, Battle of Boteler's Ford). Tour Itinerary
THURSDAY (May 2): check into our headquarters hotel (Hampton Inn, Hagerstown: details below). 6:30 p.m. Pizza Reception in the hotel meeting room: pick up your registration packets, and meet your host and guide. 7:30 p.m. Tom Clemens will present an overview of the Maryland Campaign, and Battle of Antietam, and set the stage of the next day's tour with a talk entitled: "Intentions; the Good, the Bad and the Unforeseen." FRIDAY (May 3): Start with your Hampton free hot breakfast Board Bus at 7:45 a.m. Bus departs hotel at: 8:00 a.m. 8:30 am Arrive at Best Farm, Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor’s Center; we'll cover the arrival in Maryland and campaign through Lee’s departure and McClellan’s arrival; discussion of the fateful Special Orders 191. Approx. 9:30 a.m. — Depart for Harpers Ferry. We'll cover the siege and capture, Bolivar Heights, Schoolhouse Ridge, the cavalry escape, and Maryland Heights. 11:00 a.m. — Depart for Crampton’s Gap, cover Franklin’s march and approach, drive by Brownsville Pass. Burkitsville, Gathland. Stop for lunch [provided] Approx. 1:00 p.m. — Depart for Turner’s Gap, stop at Mountain House. First Corps attack. Approx. 1:45 p.m. — Walk to Fox’s Gap — Ninth Corps attack 4:00 p.m. — Bus picks up the group at Fox’s Gap; Drive through Keedysville to Pry House overlook 5:00 p.m. — Day One tour concludes, return to hotel. Dinner on your own. SATURDAY (May 4): Start with your Hampton free hot breakfast Board Bus at 7:45 a.m. Bus departs hotel at: 8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. — Overview from Visitor Center at Antietam National Battlefield. Poffenberger Woods fight (September 16) North Woods Cornfield and East Woods West Woods Lunch on the field [provided] Mumma and Roulette farms Sunken Road Middle Bridge Burnside Bridge and Ninth Corps Attack Shepherdstown Ford (if time allows) No evening event scheduled. Dinner on your own. SUNDAY (May 5): optional outing (via carpool). Rides will be coordinated for anyone who needs one (maps provided). Start with your Hampton free hot breakfast The Battle of Shepherdstown (or Boteler's Ford) 10:00 a.m. for one-to-two hours. Adjourn by noon. |
about our guideTom Clemens is a founder and current president of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation, and has played a central role in helping preserve the field and associated sites. His essential contributions to the literature on Antietam include the monumental work as editor and annotator of the Maryland Campaign study by Ezra Carman, published in three volumes by Savas Beatie Publishers.
Tom is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on Antietam, as well as one of the most engaging and entertaining tour guides available. 
Photos: Antietam National Cemetery; the Maryland Monument with Dunker Church in the background; Burnside Bridge (credit: NPS)
Headquarters Hotel
Hampton Inn, 18300 Peak Circle, Hagerstown, MD 21742 $99 per night (plus 12% tax) for 2 queens or 1 king. Newly renovated (2018); free hot breakfast included. You can call the hotel directly at 240-420-1970 to reserve a room within the Battle of Antietam block (code; BOA), OR place your reservation online by clicking here. Lodging is not included in the tour registration. |