Existing comment:
An Enduring Heritage:
As part of congressional legislation to mark and preserve Antietam Battlefield, the Committee on Military Affairs noted in 1891 that "the field on which the battle took place is practically unchanged from what it was on the day of the action. It is proposed to maintain the field in the same condition as to roads, fields, forests, and houses." Since becoming a national park, the mission has been to preserve and protect the battlefield and restore the landscape to its September 1862 appearance.
1933:
The battlefield was transferred from the War Department to the National Park Service in 1933. At the time of the transfer, the park was owned only sixty-five acres. [sic]
2012:
One hundred and fifty years after the battle, Antietam National Battlefield has grown to more than 3,000 acres, making possible the restoration of significant parts of the battlefield.
1862: Dunker Church:
1961: The church blew down in a wind storm in 1921.
Today: The church was reconstructed for the 100th anniversary of the battle.
1862: Sunken Road or Bloody Lane:
1961: Souvenirs and snacks were sold on private property next to the Sunken Road.
Today: As the park expanded, modern intrusions were removed.
1862: Burnside Bridge:
1961: Cars drove across the bridge until 1964.
Today: A bypass was built and now the bridge is a preserved walkway. |