Wednesday 13 July 2016

American Adventure Day two : Antietam Battlefield

Well my first full day in the States saw me at Antietam (also known as Sharpsburg) battlefield. This is one of the 'big ones' both in terms of size and impact but also the level of interest and preservation. I can't really fault much, I had read and watched quite a bit on the battle in advance but they have an excellent orientation film and Ranger presentation to set the scene. I took far too many photos to share so just a couple of highlights....the battlefield is basically a dream for anybody interested in military history 😀 I basically downloaded a set of podcasts and used these to walk all the main sections of the battle.
 
Honestly a cannon display, four different types and the famous Dunker Church
 
Millers corn field site of the very fierce early Union attack.
 
A shot looking towards the confederate line from the edge of the Cornfield.
 
The aptly named 'bloody lane'
 
Burnside bridge under repair.
 
The scene of the final unsuccessful assault by the Federal forces.

It is a big battlefield but I had all day, according to my Fitbit thingy I walked 14 km! I only wish our civil war battlefields were preserved as well....but I know why they aren't. As you can see from the photos it wasn't busy and most people stay fairly close to their cars !

10 comments:

  1. You are certainly getting around, eerily quiet too.

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    1. It is quite an indulgent holiday so there will be a lot over the next few days. As for quietness I do tend to limit people in my photo but it did feel quiet.

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  2. It does feel very eery as Michael says.

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    1. I do tend to select out any extraneous people but it was quiet.

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  3. Antietam is a great battlefield, maybe the best. There are just so many good landmarks that help define the battle.

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    1. Agreed one of the best I have been to 😀

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  4. I was there last year and although it cost a fortune to travel to the other side of the world I am so looking forward to going back. It is so cool to be able to visit these sites. Enjoy your time there!

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    1. Thanks having a great time at the moment.....and lots more indulgence on the way 😀

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  5. One of those Must See battlefields on my list, along with Gettysburg. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Yes if you do get the chance it IS Worth it and I have been to quite a few battlefields.😀

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