Antietam: The Bloodiest Day
Name:
Antietam: The Bloodiest Day
Date:
July 23, 2019 - July 28, 2019
Website:
http://www.civilwarseminars.org
Registration:
Sorry, public registration for this event has been closed.
Event Description:
Click here for the brochure and pricing: Antietam: The Bloodiest Day Civil War History Conference.
We are excited to bring you the largest Antietam conference ever! We have a fantastic array of tours, talks and panels to present to you featuring some of the nations top historians and authors.
More than 15 of the top historians and tour guides in the Civil War history field will cover diverse topics such as the opposing forces, medical care, photography, the historic Dunker Church and more. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in micro tactical tours of the battlefield, and the campaign led by expert guides.
We would like to thank our sponsors: the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, the Hagerstown - Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, SHAF - Save Historic Antietam Foundation, and the historic Rohrbach Inn for their generous support. Also, many thanks to Chris Vincent and Jim Rosebrock of the Antietam Guides for helping with the coordination of this event.
As you know, part of our efforts through the seminars is to raise funds and awareness for education and battlefield preservation. We have raised more than $215,000 and through your help we hope to raise more this July. Thank you for assisting in this endeavor.
We are proud of our strong Civil War heritage, and look forward to sharing it with you at this conference.
Tuesday, July 23
12-1 p.m. Check-in/Registration at Ramada Plaza
1 – 4:30 p.m. Sessions
The Opposing Forces at Antietam - Ted Alexander. Join the Antietam National Battlefield Historian (retired) and author for an examination of the two armies that battered each other in America's bloodiest day.
Miller, Mumma et al: The People of the Battlefield – Chris Vincent – an examination of the battles impact on the civilians and how many farmers dealt with destruction and financial ruin.
Antietam and the Emancipation Proclamation – James Broomall – a leading authority on Lincoln and Emancipation will discuss one of the most decisive results of the battle.
4:30 - 6 p.m. Dinner on your Own
6 p.m. Check-in/Registration at Ramada Plaza
6:30 p.m. Welcome Introduction by Ted Alexander
Antietam Artifacts - Wayne Motts, CEO of the National Civil War Museum. He will present a hands on program featuring Antietam related artifacts from the museum's collection. Here is your opportunity to examine and handle actual items from the battle.
What’s New at Antietam – Susan Trail, Superintendent of Antietam National Battlefield
September Mourn: The Story of the Dunker Church - Terry Barkley and Alann Schmidt. One of the great landmarks Antietam is the Dunker Church. It ranks with the Alamo and Shiloh Church as part of the trilogy of famous historic battlefield churches in America. The authors of the first detailed study of this legendary edifice will present the results of their extensive research.
Wednesday, July 24
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bus Tour
· Bus leaves from Ramada Plaza at 8:30 a.m.
· Lunch on your own
· Return by 5 p.m.
· Dinner on your own
Antietam never would have occurred without Harpers Ferry - bus tour led by Dennis Frye. Featuring the brilliant tactical exploits of Stonewall Jackson that resulted in the largest surrender of U.S. troops during the Civil War. Tour stops include Bolivar Heights, Camp Hill and School House Ridge - and include some of the most spectacular scenery on any Civil War battlefield.
12 - 2 p.m. Lunch on your own
2 – 5 p.m. Bus Tour
Fire on the Mountain: The Battle of South Mountain - bus tour with Steve Stotelmyer. This important and largely overlooked battle came about primarily because General McClellan was moving his army through the Maryland countryside much faster than his opponent anticipated. The battle of South Mountain was the turning point of the Maryland Campaign. Before South Mountain, Lee held the initiative. After South Mountain the initiative passed to McClellan. Our guide will make the case that the high tide of the Confederacy crested not on the banks of Antietam Creek, but rather against the slopes of South Mountain. Sites visited include: Turners Pass, Fox’s Gap, Crampton’s Gap and more.
5 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner on your Own
6:30 - 9 p.m. Sessions
Evading Capture: The Union Cavalry Escape from Harpers Ferry, September 14, 1862 - Sharon Murray. This PowerPoint program covers the principal players, how the escape was planned and organized, the approximate route and the capture of Longstreet's train. The speaker concludes with a review of what ifs and to whom should go the proper credit for the escape.
Prelude to Antietam: The South Mountain Fights Using a wealth of maps from his Maps of Antietam book, Brad Gottfried will illustrate in detail the important fight for the South Mountain gaps on September 14, 1862.
Saving the Burnside Bridge - In 2016 extreme cold temperatures and ice nearly destroyed the historic Burnside Bridge. Hear how this battlefield landmark was saved by the National Park Service.
Thursday, July 25
Antietam Tour Clusters
· Bus leaves from Ramada Plaza at 8 a.m.
· Lunch Included
· Returning to Hotel by 5 p.m.
· Dinner on your own
8 -11:30 a.m. Morning Tours
The Basic Antietam Battle Tour - bus tour led by Tom Clemens.
A beginning to intermediate look at the Antietam battle. (minimal walking)
“After a while the woods became too hot to hold anybody:” The Struggle for the West Woods - walking tour with Jim Buchanan.
This tour will explore the key terrain, obstacles, and avenues of approach that challenged commanders and troops fighting in the West Woods on September 17, 1862. We will cover a lot of ground on this walking tour — from the Philadelphia Brigade Monument to the Alfred Poffenberger and Hauser farmsteads to just south of the Dunker Church. We’ll follow brigade and regimental movements on both sides. Using contemporary and post-action letters and diaries, we’ll hear from survivors and eye-witnesses about what it was like to be caught up in the swirl of the over two hour battle that resulted in over four thousand casualties. (moderate walking)
The Attack of the First Corps – walking tour with Justin Mayhue.
Follow the route of “Fighting Joe” Hooker and his men on the morning of September 17. (moderate walking)
12 – 1 pm Lunch Included
1 –4:30 p.m. Afternoon Tours
Antietam Hospitals – Dr. Gordon Dammann.
This bus tour includes visits to sites that treated the wounded of both sides and a visit to the Pry House Medical Museum.
“Holding on for Dear Life: Stonewall Jackson and the Confederate Left Flank at Antietam” bus & walking tour led by Jim Rosebrock.
This tour will focus on Jackson's initial deployments along the Hagerstown Pike and Smoketown Roads north of the Dunker Church on September 16, the opening skirmishes that evening, and the early morning fighting in the North and East Woods and Mr. Miller's Cornfield on September 17, 1862.
The Union Attack on the Sunken Road – 1pm 3pm Gary Rohrer – follow the route of Federal assault on “Bloody Lane”.
Follow the route of the Irish Brigade and other Union commands in the assault on Bloody Lane.
5 - 7 p.m. Dinner on your Own
7 - 9 p.m. Sessions
The Army of the Potomac in the Maryland Campaign – Dan Vermilya. Our speaker conducted extensive research at the National Archives, utilizing many records previously not used by Antietam scholars and authored That Field of Blood: The Battle of Antietam September 17, 1862.
Antietam: Then, Now and When - Robert Kalasky.
In this presentation Robert Kalasky will introduce a new concept to "then and now photography" by adding times to when the images were recorded at Antietam. Once the times were established for each image, he was able to determine the dates as well. Follow along as he takes us from September 18th through the 24th in the footsteps of Alexander Gardner and James Gibson in their trek across the battlefield as they photographed it.
Friday, July 26
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sessions
· Sessions held at Ramada Plaza
· Book Vendor Civil War & More
· Lunch on your own
· Dinner Included at Ramada Plaza
The Search for McClellan's Headquarters - Tom Clemens. The Pry House has been part of Antietam tradition as the headquarters of General McClellan. Dr. Thomas Clemens will focus on his search for the real headquarters of the army, and the evidence which disproves the Pry location and proves the actual location.
Antietam Myths and Realities – panel featuring Tom Clemens, Dennis Frye and Steve Stotelmeyer
The Iron Brigade and the Texas Brigade: A Comparison – Scott Hartwig. One of the nations premier Antietam scholars will examine the two legendary fighting units and their role in the battle.
12 – 2 p.m. Lunch on your own
2 – 6:30 p.m. Sessions Continue
The "Stonewall" Brigade in the Maryland Campaign - Jerry Holsworth. This program will cover the attitude of the brigade towards fighting outside of the Shenandoah Valley, its depleted ranks after participating in six bloody battles prior to entering Maryland and how those casualties affected its leadership and its effectiveness. He will also cover events taking place in Winchester both before and after the Battle of Antietam that affected the Army of Northern Virginia in what he calls “The Miracle at Winchester.”
Lee in the Maryland and Gettysburg Campaign – Jeffry Wert. The Army of Northern Virginia’s advances across the Potomac River in the fall of 1862 and the summer of 1863 reflected the strategic vision of its commander. To Robert E. Lee these offensive strikes held the possibilities, if not promises, of ultimate Confederate victory. Were there, however, other roads to be followed?
“A Severe and Damaging Fire” - Jim Rosebrock. In Stonewall Jackson’s report on the Battle of Antietam, he described the Union artillery as inflicting “a severe and damaging fire” on the Confederate positions. A major element of that fire came from the 21 regular army artillery batteries that fought in the Army of the Potomac. The “regulars” were the professional soldiers of the United States Army and they played a major role in training and preparing for battle the many volunteer batteries that entered service. Our talk covers the action of several of these regular batteries and the key role they played in the Battle of Antietam.
Confederates Photographed in Frederick, Maryland: September 1862 or July 1864? – Alexander Rossino. An unidentified photographer in Frederick, Maryland captured the only known photograph of Confederate troops on the march during the Civil War. Historians have long thought the photo showed men with Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson's command during the 1862 Maryland Campaign, but new research challenges that notion, suggesting that the men shown night have been with Jubal Early's Army of the Valley when it passed through Frederick on July 9, 1864. In this historical analysis, Rossino provides the most detailed examination yet undertaken of the circumstances surrounding both years--1862 and 1864--in an attempt to provide a definitive date when the image was taken.
7 p.m. Dinner Included
8 p.m. Evening Sessions
Lt. John Mead Gould and the mortal wounding of General Joseph K.F. Mansfield - Nick Picerno. “It would be bad enough and sad enough that General Mansfield should be mortally wounded once, but to be wounded six, seven or eight times in as many localities is too much of a story to let stand unchallenged,” so wrote John Mead Gould. Picerno's presentation covers the observations of Lt. John Mead Gould and the mortal wounding of General Joseph K.F. Mansfield in the East Woods during the battle.
Saturday, July 27
Antietam Tour Clusters
· Bus leaves from Ramada Plaza at 8 a.m.
· Lunch & Antietam Brewery Tour Included
· Returning to Hotel by 5 p.m.
· Dinner on your own
8 -11:30 a.m. Morning Tours
The Confederate defense of Bloody Lane – John Priest.
Using first-hand accounts our guide will relate the story of one of the bloodiest phases of the battle.
“Water to his Front, Water to his Rear: Robert E. Lee Defends the Confederate High Water Mark at Sharpsburg, September 17, 1862 - walking & bus tour led by Kevin Pawlak.
There is perhaps no other decision that Robert E. Lee made in his entire military career that is more criticized and questioned than his decision to stand and fight at Sharpsburg. What compelled him to fight with a river at his back and a superior enemy in his front? Or is it even as simple as that? Regardless, Lee orchestrated his obstinate defense at the Battle of Antietam, and brought on the bloodiest single day in American history. (moderate walking)
Sharpsburg and Environs, Lincoln's Visit and the Antietam National Cemetery - bus tour led by John Schildt. This tour will feature stops associated with the 1860's community, Lincoln's post battle visit and the creation of the National Cemetery. Sites visited include: Sharpsburg Christ Reformed Church; Grove Farm where Lincoln met with McClellan and his generals; National Cemetery and more.
11:30 -1:30 p.m. Lunch & Brewery Tour Experience
· Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Antietam Brewery! You’ll also enjoy a tour of western Maryland’s first craft brewery. Antietam Brewery is home to high quality, fresh beer with their ales handcrafted in small batches using fine ingredients.
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Bus & Walking Tours
After Antietam: The Battle of Shepherdstown - bus tour led by Kevin Pawlak and Scott Anderson.
The final drama in the Maryland Campaign was the bloodiest battle in what became the state of West Virginia. Sites visited include: Hospital sites in Shepherdstown; Elmwood Confederate Cemetery and Shepherdstown Battlefield.
Antietam Shadows - walking tour led by Dennis Frye.
This tour is guaranteed to question the conventional wisdom on the battle. Join Dennis as he challenges the many preconceived notions of what is believed about Antietam. He will take you to familiar battlefield sites and then confront you with unconventional perspectives. (moderate walking)
The Struggle for the Lower Bridge - John Priest.
Our guide is a leading authority on the battle from the soldier’s point of view. (moderate walking)
5- 6:30 p.m. Dinner on your own
6:30 p.m. Evening Sessions
The 96th Pennsylvania in the Maryland Campaign talk by David Ward
The "Coal Heavers" led the charge at Crampton's Gap on September 14, 1862. At Antietam they went into line of battle near the East Woods but did not see action. Their service in the Maryland Campaign, well documented by members of the regiment, affords an opportunity to examine the campaign from the vantage point of the Union infantryman. Their letters, diaries and memoirs express their reactions to the stress of combat, and mourning the loss of comrades. Our speaker discusses the soldiers written legacy including their thoughts concerning the carnage at Antietam, the direction of the war, views on slavery and commentary about Lincoln's issuance of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
The Spy Game in Maryland - talk by Matt Borders
This presentation looks at the use or lack there of, of intelligence during the three Confederate invasions of the North, with a specific focus on the 1862 Maryland Campaign. Our speaker has conducted extensive research on this topic.
Sunday, July 27
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Optional Bus Tour
· Bus leaves from Ramada Plaza at 7:30 a.m.
· Lunch included
· Return by 6 p.m.
· Dinner on your own
Alexandria to Antietam: Exploring McClellan’s Route in the 1862 Maryland Campaign – Steve Recker. Based on extensive original research, this tour will visit little known sites along the routes of “Lil Mac” and his army from when the general stepped off the boat at Alexandria through his regaining of command in Washington and his pursuit of Lee into Western Maryland.
Sites visited include:
· Uptons Hill near Falls Church - "the key to the Washington defenses" where the epic scene of McClellan retaking command from General Pope took place.
· Washington, D.C. where he met Lincoln & Halleck.
· Headquarters site in Rockville – from here the general launched his armies pursuit of Lee.
· Frederick – Special Order 191 discovery site.
· Marameade – take this rare opportunity to visit the house where McClellan launched the Battle of South Mountain.
Payment Policy: Full payment is due prior to seminar.
Cancellation Policy: -Seminar registrations cancelled two weeks before a scheduled seminar are subject to a $100 per person administrative fee; cancellations received within two weeks will be charged 50% of the registration fee, including partial registrations or $100 (whichever is greater).
► Chambersburg Civil War Seminars and Tours, in making arrangements for the transportation, accommodations and other services referred to herein, acts only as an agent for the owner or operator, and its responsibility is limited to that of an agent. By registering for the Chambersburg Civil War Seminars with registration form, online, or phone call, participant or those traveling with you agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, and their agents, servants and employees, from and against any claim, cost, expense for liability (including attorney’s fees), attributable to bodily injury, sickness, disease, or death, or to damage to or destruction of property (including loss of use thereof) in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other travel services resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrences or condition beyond our control.
► We reserve the right to make changes in the tours where necessary, due to unforeseen circumstances. We do not like to cancel tours but if we must cancel due to insufficient participation or other circumstances, our total obligation will be to refund all monies paid to us for the specific event.
► We strive to accommodate all of our seminar participants. If you have ANY dietary restrictions, please tell us during registration so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
► All photos/videos taken before, during, and after events are the property of Chambersburg Civil War Seminars & Tours. These will be used at the discretion of the organization and may be used for marketing and advertising purposes both online and in print.
We are excited to bring you the largest Antietam conference ever! We have a fantastic array of tours, talks and panels to present to you featuring some of the nations top historians and authors.
More than 15 of the top historians and tour guides in the Civil War history field will cover diverse topics such as the opposing forces, medical care, photography, the historic Dunker Church and more. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in micro tactical tours of the battlefield, and the campaign led by expert guides.
We would like to thank our sponsors: the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, the Hagerstown - Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, SHAF - Save Historic Antietam Foundation, and the historic Rohrbach Inn for their generous support. Also, many thanks to Chris Vincent and Jim Rosebrock of the Antietam Guides for helping with the coordination of this event.
As you know, part of our efforts through the seminars is to raise funds and awareness for education and battlefield preservation. We have raised more than $215,000 and through your help we hope to raise more this July. Thank you for assisting in this endeavor.
We are proud of our strong Civil War heritage, and look forward to sharing it with you at this conference.
Tuesday, July 23
12-1 p.m. Check-in/Registration at Ramada Plaza
1 – 4:30 p.m. Sessions
The Opposing Forces at Antietam - Ted Alexander. Join the Antietam National Battlefield Historian (retired) and author for an examination of the two armies that battered each other in America's bloodiest day.
Miller, Mumma et al: The People of the Battlefield – Chris Vincent – an examination of the battles impact on the civilians and how many farmers dealt with destruction and financial ruin.
Antietam and the Emancipation Proclamation – James Broomall – a leading authority on Lincoln and Emancipation will discuss one of the most decisive results of the battle.
4:30 - 6 p.m. Dinner on your Own
6 p.m. Check-in/Registration at Ramada Plaza
6:30 p.m. Welcome Introduction by Ted Alexander
Antietam Artifacts - Wayne Motts, CEO of the National Civil War Museum. He will present a hands on program featuring Antietam related artifacts from the museum's collection. Here is your opportunity to examine and handle actual items from the battle.
What’s New at Antietam – Susan Trail, Superintendent of Antietam National Battlefield
September Mourn: The Story of the Dunker Church - Terry Barkley and Alann Schmidt. One of the great landmarks Antietam is the Dunker Church. It ranks with the Alamo and Shiloh Church as part of the trilogy of famous historic battlefield churches in America. The authors of the first detailed study of this legendary edifice will present the results of their extensive research.
Wednesday, July 24
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bus Tour
· Bus leaves from Ramada Plaza at 8:30 a.m.
· Lunch on your own
· Return by 5 p.m.
· Dinner on your own
Antietam never would have occurred without Harpers Ferry - bus tour led by Dennis Frye. Featuring the brilliant tactical exploits of Stonewall Jackson that resulted in the largest surrender of U.S. troops during the Civil War. Tour stops include Bolivar Heights, Camp Hill and School House Ridge - and include some of the most spectacular scenery on any Civil War battlefield.
12 - 2 p.m. Lunch on your own
2 – 5 p.m. Bus Tour
Fire on the Mountain: The Battle of South Mountain - bus tour with Steve Stotelmyer. This important and largely overlooked battle came about primarily because General McClellan was moving his army through the Maryland countryside much faster than his opponent anticipated. The battle of South Mountain was the turning point of the Maryland Campaign. Before South Mountain, Lee held the initiative. After South Mountain the initiative passed to McClellan. Our guide will make the case that the high tide of the Confederacy crested not on the banks of Antietam Creek, but rather against the slopes of South Mountain. Sites visited include: Turners Pass, Fox’s Gap, Crampton’s Gap and more.
5 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner on your Own
6:30 - 9 p.m. Sessions
Evading Capture: The Union Cavalry Escape from Harpers Ferry, September 14, 1862 - Sharon Murray. This PowerPoint program covers the principal players, how the escape was planned and organized, the approximate route and the capture of Longstreet's train. The speaker concludes with a review of what ifs and to whom should go the proper credit for the escape.
Prelude to Antietam: The South Mountain Fights Using a wealth of maps from his Maps of Antietam book, Brad Gottfried will illustrate in detail the important fight for the South Mountain gaps on September 14, 1862.
Saving the Burnside Bridge - In 2016 extreme cold temperatures and ice nearly destroyed the historic Burnside Bridge. Hear how this battlefield landmark was saved by the National Park Service.
Thursday, July 25
Antietam Tour Clusters
· Bus leaves from Ramada Plaza at 8 a.m.
· Lunch Included
· Returning to Hotel by 5 p.m.
· Dinner on your own
8 -11:30 a.m. Morning Tours
The Basic Antietam Battle Tour - bus tour led by Tom Clemens.
A beginning to intermediate look at the Antietam battle. (minimal walking)
“After a while the woods became too hot to hold anybody:” The Struggle for the West Woods - walking tour with Jim Buchanan.
This tour will explore the key terrain, obstacles, and avenues of approach that challenged commanders and troops fighting in the West Woods on September 17, 1862. We will cover a lot of ground on this walking tour — from the Philadelphia Brigade Monument to the Alfred Poffenberger and Hauser farmsteads to just south of the Dunker Church. We’ll follow brigade and regimental movements on both sides. Using contemporary and post-action letters and diaries, we’ll hear from survivors and eye-witnesses about what it was like to be caught up in the swirl of the over two hour battle that resulted in over four thousand casualties. (moderate walking)
The Attack of the First Corps – walking tour with Justin Mayhue.
Follow the route of “Fighting Joe” Hooker and his men on the morning of September 17. (moderate walking)
12 – 1 pm Lunch Included
1 –4:30 p.m. Afternoon Tours
Antietam Hospitals – Dr. Gordon Dammann.
This bus tour includes visits to sites that treated the wounded of both sides and a visit to the Pry House Medical Museum.
“Holding on for Dear Life: Stonewall Jackson and the Confederate Left Flank at Antietam” bus & walking tour led by Jim Rosebrock.
This tour will focus on Jackson's initial deployments along the Hagerstown Pike and Smoketown Roads north of the Dunker Church on September 16, the opening skirmishes that evening, and the early morning fighting in the North and East Woods and Mr. Miller's Cornfield on September 17, 1862.
The Union Attack on the Sunken Road – 1pm 3pm Gary Rohrer – follow the route of Federal assault on “Bloody Lane”.
Follow the route of the Irish Brigade and other Union commands in the assault on Bloody Lane.
5 - 7 p.m. Dinner on your Own
7 - 9 p.m. Sessions
The Army of the Potomac in the Maryland Campaign – Dan Vermilya. Our speaker conducted extensive research at the National Archives, utilizing many records previously not used by Antietam scholars and authored That Field of Blood: The Battle of Antietam September 17, 1862.
Antietam: Then, Now and When - Robert Kalasky.
In this presentation Robert Kalasky will introduce a new concept to "then and now photography" by adding times to when the images were recorded at Antietam. Once the times were established for each image, he was able to determine the dates as well. Follow along as he takes us from September 18th through the 24th in the footsteps of Alexander Gardner and James Gibson in their trek across the battlefield as they photographed it.
Friday, July 26
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sessions
· Sessions held at Ramada Plaza
· Book Vendor Civil War & More
· Lunch on your own
· Dinner Included at Ramada Plaza
The Search for McClellan's Headquarters - Tom Clemens. The Pry House has been part of Antietam tradition as the headquarters of General McClellan. Dr. Thomas Clemens will focus on his search for the real headquarters of the army, and the evidence which disproves the Pry location and proves the actual location.
Antietam Myths and Realities – panel featuring Tom Clemens, Dennis Frye and Steve Stotelmeyer
The Iron Brigade and the Texas Brigade: A Comparison – Scott Hartwig. One of the nations premier Antietam scholars will examine the two legendary fighting units and their role in the battle.
12 – 2 p.m. Lunch on your own
2 – 6:30 p.m. Sessions Continue
The "Stonewall" Brigade in the Maryland Campaign - Jerry Holsworth. This program will cover the attitude of the brigade towards fighting outside of the Shenandoah Valley, its depleted ranks after participating in six bloody battles prior to entering Maryland and how those casualties affected its leadership and its effectiveness. He will also cover events taking place in Winchester both before and after the Battle of Antietam that affected the Army of Northern Virginia in what he calls “The Miracle at Winchester.”
Lee in the Maryland and Gettysburg Campaign – Jeffry Wert. The Army of Northern Virginia’s advances across the Potomac River in the fall of 1862 and the summer of 1863 reflected the strategic vision of its commander. To Robert E. Lee these offensive strikes held the possibilities, if not promises, of ultimate Confederate victory. Were there, however, other roads to be followed?
“A Severe and Damaging Fire” - Jim Rosebrock. In Stonewall Jackson’s report on the Battle of Antietam, he described the Union artillery as inflicting “a severe and damaging fire” on the Confederate positions. A major element of that fire came from the 21 regular army artillery batteries that fought in the Army of the Potomac. The “regulars” were the professional soldiers of the United States Army and they played a major role in training and preparing for battle the many volunteer batteries that entered service. Our talk covers the action of several of these regular batteries and the key role they played in the Battle of Antietam.
Confederates Photographed in Frederick, Maryland: September 1862 or July 1864? – Alexander Rossino. An unidentified photographer in Frederick, Maryland captured the only known photograph of Confederate troops on the march during the Civil War. Historians have long thought the photo showed men with Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson's command during the 1862 Maryland Campaign, but new research challenges that notion, suggesting that the men shown night have been with Jubal Early's Army of the Valley when it passed through Frederick on July 9, 1864. In this historical analysis, Rossino provides the most detailed examination yet undertaken of the circumstances surrounding both years--1862 and 1864--in an attempt to provide a definitive date when the image was taken.
7 p.m. Dinner Included
8 p.m. Evening Sessions
Lt. John Mead Gould and the mortal wounding of General Joseph K.F. Mansfield - Nick Picerno. “It would be bad enough and sad enough that General Mansfield should be mortally wounded once, but to be wounded six, seven or eight times in as many localities is too much of a story to let stand unchallenged,” so wrote John Mead Gould. Picerno's presentation covers the observations of Lt. John Mead Gould and the mortal wounding of General Joseph K.F. Mansfield in the East Woods during the battle.
Annual Luhn Memorial Silent Auction Closes
All proceeds donated to battlefield preservation. More than $210,000 raised to date!
Saturday, July 27
Antietam Tour Clusters
· Bus leaves from Ramada Plaza at 8 a.m.
· Lunch & Antietam Brewery Tour Included
· Returning to Hotel by 5 p.m.
· Dinner on your own
8 -11:30 a.m. Morning Tours
The Confederate defense of Bloody Lane – John Priest.
Using first-hand accounts our guide will relate the story of one of the bloodiest phases of the battle.
“Water to his Front, Water to his Rear: Robert E. Lee Defends the Confederate High Water Mark at Sharpsburg, September 17, 1862 - walking & bus tour led by Kevin Pawlak.
There is perhaps no other decision that Robert E. Lee made in his entire military career that is more criticized and questioned than his decision to stand and fight at Sharpsburg. What compelled him to fight with a river at his back and a superior enemy in his front? Or is it even as simple as that? Regardless, Lee orchestrated his obstinate defense at the Battle of Antietam, and brought on the bloodiest single day in American history. (moderate walking)
Sharpsburg and Environs, Lincoln's Visit and the Antietam National Cemetery - bus tour led by John Schildt. This tour will feature stops associated with the 1860's community, Lincoln's post battle visit and the creation of the National Cemetery. Sites visited include: Sharpsburg Christ Reformed Church; Grove Farm where Lincoln met with McClellan and his generals; National Cemetery and more.
11:30 -1:30 p.m. Lunch & Brewery Tour Experience
· Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Antietam Brewery! You’ll also enjoy a tour of western Maryland’s first craft brewery. Antietam Brewery is home to high quality, fresh beer with their ales handcrafted in small batches using fine ingredients.
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Bus & Walking Tours
After Antietam: The Battle of Shepherdstown - bus tour led by Kevin Pawlak and Scott Anderson.
The final drama in the Maryland Campaign was the bloodiest battle in what became the state of West Virginia. Sites visited include: Hospital sites in Shepherdstown; Elmwood Confederate Cemetery and Shepherdstown Battlefield.
Antietam Shadows - walking tour led by Dennis Frye.
This tour is guaranteed to question the conventional wisdom on the battle. Join Dennis as he challenges the many preconceived notions of what is believed about Antietam. He will take you to familiar battlefield sites and then confront you with unconventional perspectives. (moderate walking)
The Struggle for the Lower Bridge - John Priest.
Our guide is a leading authority on the battle from the soldier’s point of view. (moderate walking)
5- 6:30 p.m. Dinner on your own
6:30 p.m. Evening Sessions
The 96th Pennsylvania in the Maryland Campaign talk by David Ward
The "Coal Heavers" led the charge at Crampton's Gap on September 14, 1862. At Antietam they went into line of battle near the East Woods but did not see action. Their service in the Maryland Campaign, well documented by members of the regiment, affords an opportunity to examine the campaign from the vantage point of the Union infantryman. Their letters, diaries and memoirs express their reactions to the stress of combat, and mourning the loss of comrades. Our speaker discusses the soldiers written legacy including their thoughts concerning the carnage at Antietam, the direction of the war, views on slavery and commentary about Lincoln's issuance of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
The Spy Game in Maryland - talk by Matt Borders
This presentation looks at the use or lack there of, of intelligence during the three Confederate invasions of the North, with a specific focus on the 1862 Maryland Campaign. Our speaker has conducted extensive research on this topic.
Sunday, July 27
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Optional Bus Tour
· Bus leaves from Ramada Plaza at 7:30 a.m.
· Lunch included
· Return by 6 p.m.
· Dinner on your own
Alexandria to Antietam: Exploring McClellan’s Route in the 1862 Maryland Campaign – Steve Recker. Based on extensive original research, this tour will visit little known sites along the routes of “Lil Mac” and his army from when the general stepped off the boat at Alexandria through his regaining of command in Washington and his pursuit of Lee into Western Maryland.
Sites visited include:
· Uptons Hill near Falls Church - "the key to the Washington defenses" where the epic scene of McClellan retaking command from General Pope took place.
· Washington, D.C. where he met Lincoln & Halleck.
· Headquarters site in Rockville – from here the general launched his armies pursuit of Lee.
· Frederick – Special Order 191 discovery site.
· Marameade – take this rare opportunity to visit the house where McClellan launched the Battle of South Mountain.
Payment Policy: Full payment is due prior to seminar.
Cancellation Policy: -Seminar registrations cancelled two weeks before a scheduled seminar are subject to a $100 per person administrative fee; cancellations received within two weeks will be charged 50% of the registration fee, including partial registrations or $100 (whichever is greater).
► Chambersburg Civil War Seminars and Tours, in making arrangements for the transportation, accommodations and other services referred to herein, acts only as an agent for the owner or operator, and its responsibility is limited to that of an agent. By registering for the Chambersburg Civil War Seminars with registration form, online, or phone call, participant or those traveling with you agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, and their agents, servants and employees, from and against any claim, cost, expense for liability (including attorney’s fees), attributable to bodily injury, sickness, disease, or death, or to damage to or destruction of property (including loss of use thereof) in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other travel services resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrences or condition beyond our control.
► We reserve the right to make changes in the tours where necessary, due to unforeseen circumstances. We do not like to cancel tours but if we must cancel due to insufficient participation or other circumstances, our total obligation will be to refund all monies paid to us for the specific event.
► We strive to accommodate all of our seminar participants. If you have ANY dietary restrictions, please tell us during registration so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
► All photos/videos taken before, during, and after events are the property of Chambersburg Civil War Seminars & Tours. These will be used at the discretion of the organization and may be used for marketing and advertising purposes both online and in print.
