FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Save Historic Antietam Foundation buys battlefield land at Antietam.

Contact: Tom Clemens   301-432-2522

     For the first time in the preservation history of the Antietam Battlefield, a non-profit organization has acquired core battlefield land along the historic Harpers Ferry Road.

     The Save Historic Antietam Foundation, Inc. (SHAF) announces acquisition of a one-half acre house lot approximately one-half mile south of Sharpsburg for $132,000.

     “We’ve been targeting this battlefield sector as prime for preservation for some time,” said SHAF president Dr. Tom Clemens. “This site presented an ideal opportunity.” 

     Purchase of the non-historic house and adjoining property is all the more important because the ground lies outside the national park boundary.

     “We are not confined by an artificial Congressional boundary,” commented Clemens. “This is prime battlefield land. The battle did not start or end at a paper boundary.”

     The site is high ground that overlooks the final assault of Gen. Ambrose Burnside’s attack on the afternoon of September 17, 1862. Confederates under Gen. A. P. Hill stopped Burnside’s advance, saving General Lee’s army from defeat.

     “Southern artillery from New Orleans occupied the position we purchased,” remarked Clemens.  “From this high ground Confederate cannoneers could pound Burnside’s assault.”

     Clemens announced SHAF will be fundraising to pay for the property.

     “An anonymous donor who has supported SHAF’s cause from the outset has offered a one-for-one match. We raise $15,000; the donor matches with $15,000,” said Clemens. “We’re up for the challenge.”

     Clemens expects grants from other battlefield preservation sources to cover the bulk of the funding.

     “SHAF is well-known, well-respected and well-linked in the battlefield preservation community,” Clemens noted. “SHAF has supported other non-profits at Antietam, donating tens of thousands toward other acquisitions. This time, they will support SHAF.”

     For anyone interested in donating toward the $15,000 matching grant challenge, please visit the SHAF Facebook page or the SHAF web page. Donations can also be made through the Community Foundation of Washington County on their website, and may be tax deductible.

Here is the view from the property and location on the Carman map. 

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