Located in Washington County, close to the Antietam National Battlefield, is Sharpsburg, Maryland, a quaint town full of character and historical significance. Don’t be fooled by its population of just over 700 people: This small town offers a wealth of attractions, including well-preserved buildings, gourmet restaurants, caves, and remnants from the Civil War. There’s much to explore, experience, and discuss in this charming community. For those traveling by air, there are two easy choices — Dulles International Airport or Baltimore/Washington International Airport — both within a 90-minute drive. This makes the impressive museums and landmarks in Washington, D.C. easily accessible, should you wish to include them in your itinerary.
If you’re drawn to caves, you couldn’t have found a more ideal getaway, since there are many in Sharpsburg. Just 5 miles north of town liesCrystal Grottoes Caverns, an enigmatic and magical subterranean adventure spot in Maryland. It’s hard to believe that its limestone structures actually started forming over 500 million years ago. Found by chance in 1920, it features nearly 900 feet of tunnels, curtains, and pillars, providing an unforgettable view of the Earth’s grandeur. Approximately 20 minutes by car is Killiansburg Cave, where it is believed that civilians took shelter during the fierce Battle of Antietam in the Civil War.
You’re in for a special experience if you’re interested in the supernatural. Sharpsburg Civil War Ghost Tours, which runs all year, offers fascinating tours through local landmarks and into the town’s paranormal side. Tour guides Mark and Julia share captivating stories about spectral Civil War soldiers and children, as well as a haunted inn. “Excellent tour! This is the real deal, not a copycat,” says a happy customer.Tripadvisorreviewer. Additionally, for just $10, the company offers 15-minute tarot readings on most Saturdays.
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Visit Burnside’s Bridge and Other Sharpsburg Locations
Wander through Sharpsburg and you’ll get the feeling of entering a time capsule that preserves early-American and Civil War history. Sharpsburg was established in 1763 as the first town in what is now Washington County, and it was seriously proposed by President George Washington in 1789 as a possible location for the nation’s capital. The town really began to flourish when the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal arrived around 1836, greatly enhancing its transportation infrastructure and economic growth.
At the center of the town stands Burnside Bridge, a stone arch built in 1836. It elegantly spans Antietam Creek at Antietam National Battlefield, which is known for its historical significance.Bloody Lane is one of the most terrifying (and reportedly haunted) trails in a national park.During the Battle of Antietam, Union troops led by General Ambrose Burnside aimed to seize the bridge from Confederate snipers who controlled it for several hours. Initially constructed to assist local Dunker farmers in moving their animals, the bridge’s three limestone arches, each 125 feet long, still exist today and can be crossed on foot. Don’t forget to take some pictures of the bridge—like many tourists do—as you appreciate its importance in the history of Maryland and the country.
Numerous other historical buildings that reflect Sharpsburg’s extensive history still stand. Mount Airy, also referred to as Grove Farm, is a private Federal-style brick residence that functioned as a Civil War hospital and was visited by President Abraham Lincoln and General George B. McClellan in 1862. Tolson’s Chapel was constructed in 1866 as both a church and a Freedmen’s school, and it later operated as a public school for African American children. These sites, among several others within the Sharpsburg Historic District, highlight the town’s developing community and strong heritage. Additionally, Antietam National Cemetery is where 4,776 Union soldiers who perished in the Battle of Antietam are laid to rest.
Sip and Enjoy in and Around Sharpsburg
There’s no doubt that there are numerous excellent distilleries to visit in the United States, such asThe first distillery in New York since the end of Prohibition. Although Sharpsburg is most famous for its battlefields and ghosts, there’s exciting news: the Maryland town is also near Maryland’s growing artisanal spirits scene. Pathfinder Farm Distillery, Washington County’s first modern farm distillery, features a farm and production facility in Keedysville where heritage corn is cultivated and spirits are bottled. You can also visit their tasting room in downtown Boonsboro to try and buy their handcrafted drinks. Enjoy flavorful moonshines and homemade corn whiskey, along with other choices, in a warm and inviting atmosphere — the ideal spot to relax after sightseeing.
Looking for excellent choices in Sharpsburg for eating, staying, and shopping? The Jacob Rohrbach Inn located on Main Street, constructed in 1804, offers beautifully restored guest rooms and welcoming shared spaces perfect for unwinding and socializing. Visit the on-site Antietam Mercantile Co. to find farmhouse-style decorations, books centered around the Civil War, and other unique items. (By the way, the Sharpsburgh Museum of History is showcasing an intriguing collection of 19th-century books that are definitely worth seeing.) Another top destination is Captain Benders Tavern, which provides a wide range of dishes including Angus burgers and buffalo-style chicken wings, paired with colonial-style beers. The décor from the Civil War era adds a delightful atmosphere that highlights the town’s rich history.
To satisfy your craving for something sweet or to beat the heat on a warm day, head over to Nutter’s Ice Cream, offering tasty milkshakes, snow cones, and more all year long. If you need a boost of energy, stop by Little Brick Coffee, which is open every day until 4 p.m. Customers on Tripadvisor praise the place for its great service and enjoy the option of dining inside or outside.
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