The Memorial Illumination, held in December, features 23,000 candles placed by volunteers, over the north end of the battlefield. Each represents a causality from the battle.
Photo: NPS Antietam/BBaracz
About
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.
Location
5831 Dunker Church Rd.
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle$20.00
Entrance - Per Person$10.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100.00
Hours
wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
monday9:00AM - 5:00PM
thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM
sunday
Activities
BikingRoad BikingCampingGroup CampingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingLiving HistoryHistoric Weapons DemonstrationJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
Directions
Ten miles south of I-70 on Maryland Route 65
Get directions →Weather
The weather is fairly mild. Summers can be very warm and humid and winters cold and snowy. We have four distinct seasons with the fall and spring being the best times to visit the battlefield.