Antietam

Tuesday we went to Antietam National Battlefield. “A clash between North and South that changed the course of the Civil War, helped free over four million Americans, devastated Sharpsburg, and still ranks as the bloodiest one-day battle in American history.”

Inside they had a museum with a time line of events during the battle. (Those are the coats of actual soldiers from the battle.)

There was an observatory on the second story of the visitor’s center. It really was a huge battlefield!

This church existed during the time of the battle.

I wish I had posted this sooner, because then I would be able to tell you what this bridge was about. I’ll figure it out. ;) We climbed all the way to the top of this tower. It had a good view. :)

That lane on the left is called the “Sunken Road” or “Bloody Lane.” It was called the Sunken Road because it sunk in from frequent use. During the Battle of Antietam, Confederate soldiers used it. Even though it was a trench, it was high up so it was very good protection and gave them a great advantage. However, slowly but surely the Union soldiers made their way up to it. When the Union soldiers finally made it up there, the Confederate soldiers were trapped. Thus the name “Bloody Lane.”

Climbing up the stairs reminded me of “Vertigo.” It was nice for pictures, anyway. :) So many lives were lost during this battle, and we got an idea of how many by looking at the graveyards. 23,000 soldiers were killed!

Next: Hershey, Pennsylvania :)

(And tomorrow, we’re watching a bull get castrated! Haha :D)