Immerse your group in the sights and sounds of Washington County, Maryland with a tour of The Maryland Campaign. This self-guided journey encompasses State and National Park Welcome Centers and the Civil War Trails.
Day 1
Start your day with a morning stroll in historic Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, the center of 19th century industry and abolitionist John Brown’s raid on the federal armory. Advance through the Shenandoah Valley as General Robert E. Lee did with 55,000 men. Stop at the Kennedy Farm House– headquarters to John Brown in the months leading up to the raid on Harpers Ferry.
Carry onward to Gathland State Park, the estate of George Alfred Townsend, who was the first to report Lincoln's assassination and the conspirators' trial. The park also features a museum and the famous War Correspondent’s Memorial Arch, a stone monument built as a tribute to army journalists.
Continue through the passes of Crampton’s, Turner’s and Fox’s Gaps where the Battle of South Mountain was fought. Stop in Historic Boonsboro for lunch at Dan’s Restaurant and Tap House. Then visit Washington Monument State Park located on South Mountain which is home to the first completed Washington Monument in memory of George Washington.
Day 2
Begin your day in Sharpsburg at Antietam National Battlefield. The Battle of Antietam occurred on, September 17, 1862, preceding the Battle of Gettysburg. The Battle of Antietam is known as the bloodiest day in the Civil War– after twelve hours of combat 23,000 soldiers were missing, wounded or killed. The Antietam Visitor Center, open daily, has an orientation film, exhibits and panoramic observation room.
During your visit to Antietam, tour the National Cemetery, the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Exhibit and Visitor Center at the Newcomer House and the Pry House Field Hospital Museum.
Day 3
Plan to tour the Miller House in Hagerstown’s City Center. The Federal Style townhouse was built in 1825 and is home to the Washington County Historical Society. Today, the Miller House has two floors of exhibits, featuring an extensive Civil War collection on the second floor. Dine downtown at Bulls and Bears, 28 South or the Rhubarb House.
In the afternoon visit the world class Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum features special exhibits as well as a permanent collection which includes old world masters, works by Auguste Rodin, Thomas Moran and Norman Rockwell. Tour themuseum’s 11 galleries and walk through the rose garden that overlooks the pond at City Park.
Day 4
As the Maryland Campaign comes to a close, set your sights onward to nearby Gettysburg, PA. Travel MD Route 77 through the Appalachian Mountains to the Catoctin Mountain National Scenic Byway on your drive to Gettysburg. Experience the Battle of Gettysburg , which occurred nearly ten months after Antietam, at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.