Ninety miles west of Chesapeake Bay stretches the South Mountain ridgeline of Maryland’s Appalachian Mountains. In the Paleozoic Era, hundreds of millions of years ago, they towered more than 10,000 feet above the sea. These once majestic mountains have been humbled by the powers of nature with wind, rain, and ice sculpting a landscape, and creating the rolling hills, dense forests, ravines and river valleys of what geologists call the Piedmont Plateau.
These mountains beckon you to a trip following the footprints of bygone days. A long geological history is found here, as well as sites of Civil War battles fought in September 1862.
Your journey begins traveling west on I-70 to Route 40A westbound, where you will pass farmlands, pastures and rolling hills on your way to the summit of South Mountain at Turner’s Gap. During the 18th century colonial era and the westward migration of settlers in the 19th century these wagon trail gaps were the gateways to fertile valleys for farms and new homes. The famed Fox Gap is just south about one mile. Both of these mountain gaps were the scene of major battles on Sept. 14, 1862, prior to the Battle of Antietam on September 17. Explore the sites and study the history placards that describe the combat between Union and Confederate armies.
From the summit of South Mountain continue west through farmlands and pastures to Sharpsburg, Maryland. Use Route 34 out of Boonsboro, to trace the footsteps of the two giant armies. Sharpsburg lies in the valley between Antietam Creek and the Potomac River, and it is the gateway to the Antietam National Battlefield, one of the historical gems of the U.S. National Park Service.
Begin your visit touring the extensive new Visitor Center with outstanding exhibits and informative films that will help you to formulate your plans for either an interesting driving tour or hiking tour through the many miles of this historic Civil War battlefield. The ultimate experience at this Visitor Center is to attend the Ranger’s lecture given either at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Conducted in the conference room of the Visitor Center overlooking the Battlefield, it is not to be missed!
The Battle of Antietam was the worst one-day casualty event in American military history. The conflict ultimately blocked the Confederate invasion and led to the declaring of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Interested historians may find themselves visiting the numerous pivotal points of the Sept. 17 battle across the 4-square-mile battlefield. A well-planned visit might take four or five hours, or even portions of two days.
There are numerous lodgings in the area as well as restaurants to accommodate visitors. An interesting place to stay is the Jacob Rohrbach Inn in Sharpsburg. A short walk away is Captain Benders Tavern, and across the street is the popular Nutter’s Ice Cream shop. Camping at nearby Greenbrier State Park is another overnight option.
History and outdoor activities abound in the region, presenting numerous additional opportunities for sightseeing. These include visiting neighboring Harpers Ferry and its myriad of historic sites, as well as the C & O Canal as it passes nearby. One can also hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail by entering South Mountain State Park and visiting the Washington Monument, a memorial built by the citizens of Boonsboro, Maryland honoring the birthday of the first president. The Washington Monument is on Zittlestown Road in Middletown, Maryland.
Traveling in the footprints of history is like reading a story and not wanting the book to end.
Phil Ferrara is an avid hiker and traveler, and operates the Piedmont Trekkers hiking club. Interested hikers and outdoor enthusiasts may reach him at [email protected].
MORE ADVENTUROUS OPTIONS:
Other activities include a visit to the Crystal Grottoes Caverns just east of Sharpsburg, or a white water raft trip at Harpers Ferry on the Potomac River. Information can be found at www.rivertrail.com
Avid hikers can hike a 5-mile round-trip on the Appalachian Trail to the picturesque overlook at Annapolis Rocks. To do this, access the A.T.’s trailhead at the Route 40 intersection of the trail just one mile east of the Greenbrier State Park entrance.
An interesting side trip is a visit to the South Mountain Creamery on Bolivar Road in Middletown, Maryland. There are extensive educational guided tours of the dairy farm and the opportunity for a delicious ice cream cone of your choice. Another adventure is a visit to Antietam Creek Vineyards on Branch Avenue in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Surrounding views of the South Mountain and valley countryside abound.
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