In Their Footsteps ~ Antietam National Battlefield Anniversary Hike

This coming Saturday, September 17th, 2005 marks the 143rd anniversary of the battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single day in American history when over 23,000 Americans were declared killed, wounded or missing after a twelve hour fight. The anniversary is marked every year with an all day battlefield hike. This year there are a series of guided hikes that will cover all of the key spots following in the soldiers' footsteps at the approximate time the battle events occured in 1862. This means that the hikes are starting a lot earlier than in years past (a full schedule is below). This is my third year volunteering to assist the NPS Rangers with the hikes, but my fourth year in a row participating in the hike, which has been unique each year. Should you come out for the hikes - and I encourage you to do so - please know that you can participate in any number of the individual hikes from one to all or any number in between. You do not have to register for any of the hikes, just arrive at the Antietam NB Visitors' Center, pay the park fee ($4 for an individual, $6 for a family) and join the hike or hikes you are interested in. Bring snacks, a lunch, water, suncreen, sunglasses, dress comfortably and wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. For the photographically inclined bring your photo gear. So far the weather forcast is excellent with plenty of sun and temps in the seventies!
The weather breakdown of my previous for hikes is as follows.
2004: Driving rain in the AM, sometimes at a 45 degree angle. Wet from the knees down. Warm and a bit humid in the afternoon, but no more rain.
2003: Absolutely beautiful weather. Upper 70s. Was joined by Lynn, Clark and Tom. We went into nearby Shepardstown, WV for lunch.
2002: Temps were in the mid nineties and humidity was 80+%. This is also known as the Star Trek hike because a group of five showed up in ST:TNG uniforms and suffered for it in the heat all day.

Antietam National Battlefield is located around the town of Sharpsburg, MD ten miles south of Hagerstown, MD on Maryland Route 65. Use Maps.Google.Com and enter in "Sharpsburg, MD" for an area map and too plan your trip.

For the simultaneous hikes I will be following the Union hikes.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Battle Anniversary Hikes

Date
September 17, 2005 - September 18, 2005

Contacts
Park Ranger Keith Snyder, 301-432-5124
Park Ranger Brian Baracz, 301-432-5124

Park Rangers will lead a series of battlefield hikes, following in the soldier’s footsteps at the approximate time the battle events occurred in 1862. For three of the seven hikes visitors can choose between following the Union or Confederate soldiers as they travel across the historic landscape. The hikes will take place rain or shine. Hikers should dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes and be prepared to hike across fields.

7:00 a.m.-8:15 a.m. - “A Great Tumbling Together of All Heaven and Earth”- The Opening Guns of Battle - Two simultaneous hikes, each approximately ¾ of a mile. One follows the Union advance, the other the Confederate defense during the first hour of battle. The Union hike starts at Auto Tour Stop 2-The North Woods and moves south. The Confederate hike starts at the historic Dunker Church and moves north. The two groups will meet at the infamous Cornfield. Visitors must choose one hike.

8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. - “Amidst a Very Unpleasant Shower of Bullets”- Advance of the 12th Corps - This hike starts at Auto Tour Stop 4-The Cornfield. After Union General Joseph Mansfield was mortally wounded the 12th Corps assault broke down. Follow this divided and difficult attack a ½ mile south, ending at the park Visitor Center

10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. - “What in Gods Name Are You Fighting For?”- Massacre in the West Woods - The fighting in the West Woods was desperate and destructive. This ¾ mile hike follows the fateful attack of Sedgwick’s Division that advanced into the West Woods and lost over half its men killed and wounded.

10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon - “We Showered the Lead Across That Creek”- The Fight for Burnside Bridge - This ½ mile walk focuses on the series of Union attacks against the Battlefield’s best known landmark. Parking for this hike is not on the park tour route. Directions available at the Visitor Center.

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - “The Adjacent Plains Were Covered With a Carpet of Red Blue and Gray”- Attack and Defense of the Sunken Road - Two simultaneous 1-mile hikes. One hike follows the Union advance on, the other the Confederate defense of, the Sunken Road. Both hikes start at the visitor center and conclude at what becomes Bloody Lane. Visitors must choose one hike.

1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. - “For Eight Hours We Were Exposed to the Fury of a Mighty Host” - The Center of the Line - View the battlefield from General Robert E. Lee’s perspective. This 1 mile hike starts at the parking area across from the National Cemetery and explores the center of the Confederate Army and the advance of the Union Fifth Corps across the Middle Bridge.

3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - “The Regiment Prepared for the Final Struggle”- Beyond the Burnside Bridge - Two simultaneous 1 ½ -mile hikes that meet in the “40-Acre Cornfield.” One hike follows the Union drive on Sharpsburg, the other the desperate Confederate defense and Gen. A.P. Hill’s counterattack that ended the battle. Visitors must choose one hike.