First incorporated in 1832, the town of Sharpsburg, MD is most famous for being the location of an event that was far from the norm for the small, sleepy town – The Civil War’s Battle of Antietam. On September 17, 1862 the bloodiest day in American military history took place around the outskirts of the little town. Tens of thousands of soldiers from the Confederate and Union Armies battled in nearby farmers’ fields and on the now-famous Burnside Bridge. By the end of that single day, over 23,000 were either killed, wounded, or missing.
In the aftermath of the battle, the townspeople found themselves living in the midst of a ruinous and horrific scene – that of a massive field hospital and makeshift burial ground. With destruction and gore everywhere, the task of restoring the town must have seemed almost insurmountable, but for years to come Sharpsburg’s citizens worked diligently to bring their town back to its former state of peace and serenity.
Today the town retains much of the quiet feel of the past with many historic houses, churches, and other buildings lining Main Street. When you pass through the town now you’re likely to see American flags waving in the breeze, people congregating in “the square” enjoying an ice cream cone, or kids riding their bicycles over to the local pond. Of course we hope you won’t just pass through. Stay a while and take in all our little town has to offer. 🙂
FOOD
Captain Bender’s Tavern
111 E. Main Street
Captain Bender’s Tavern is the closest restaurant to The River Bend Retreat, and is our main “go-to” for dinners out. Cap’n Benders features pub fare at reasonable prices in a friendly and relaxed “Cheers”-like atmosphere. They offer nightly specials, AYCE wings on Wednesdays, trivia on Mondays, and live music most Saturday nights. Check out our “Quick Review” of Captain Benders for a little extra info. and a few of our menu recommendations. We’ve tried just about everything!
Nutter’s Ice Cream
100 E. Main Street
Delicious ice cream, large portions, and great prices make Nutter’s Ice Cream parlor a don’t-miss while visiting the area. Hand-dipped, soft-serve, banana splits, sundaes, flurries, snow balls – you can’t go wrong! Nutter’s is so poplar that the line frequently runs out the door and down the block, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Along with your appetite, bring cash as they don’t take credit cards.
Burkholder’s Baked Goods
106 W. High Street
THE DONUTS! Like heaven in pastry form! What’s more to say? Well, they do offer A LOT of other fresh, delectable, homemade baked good too, but it’s all about the donuts for me! (Bring cash.)
Burkholder’s Yummy Donuts 
Battleview Market
5331 Sharpsburg Pike
Battleview Market
Our local mom-and-pop market serves the community and its visitors as both a convenience store and a deli-style restaurant. Drop by for your morning coffee and a breakfast sandwich or pick up some basic groceries. They also carry a good selection of beer and wine including a few locally produced options. Additionally, Battleview is a nice choice for a quick, casual meal. We ate there quite frequently while we were working on renovating the house. My favorite for either lunch or dinner, is their “steamer” sandwich. The “steamer”, a Hagerstown area tradition, is made with ground beef that has been soaked in water, slow-cooked, then seasoned and served on a bun. They’re somewhat similar to a sloppy joe – but we think they’re better. 😉
EVENTS
The Poultry Swap at Green Hill Farm
In the market for a new chicken? How about a pig, duck, or goat? Well even if you don’t need any livestock, the Poultry Swap at Green Hill Farm is a lot of fun for everyone! Twice a year our neighbors at Green Hill Farm hold the event in which a large assortment of different vendors participate. Along with a big selection of small farm animals, you will find many artisan craftspeople selling their homemade creations. The swap is dubbed as “anything farm related, handcrafted, homemade, homegrown, antique and unique!” The day we attended there were handmade baskets, primitive farmhouse-style antiques, blacksmithing demonstrations, starter plants for the flower or vegetable garden, local honey, and chickens galore! All topped off with food trucks and live bluegrass music. A real down-home country good time!
Sharpsburg Memorial Day Parade
On the Saturday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend, come watch what may be the oldest, continuously-held Memorial Day parade in the nation. Join the local residents spread out along the parade route which begins at the elementary school and runs east down Main Street. Soak in the small town vibe as you watch fire trucks, antique cars, Scout troops, marching bands, homemade floats, and local V.I.P.’s go by tossing out handfuls of candy to the kids. Don’t forget to wear your red, white, and blue!
Independence Day Celebration at Antietam National Battlefield
We are very fortunate to be so close to the Antietam National Battlefield where our annual Independence Day celebration takes place. As an added treat, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s Salute to Independence Concert is performed immediately prior to the fireworks show which takes place at dusk. The patriotic music is the perfect accompaniment to the dazzling pyrotechnics display. We enjoy the event immensely! So bring a blanket, a few refreshments, and maybe a lawn chair. Then relax and enjoy the evening celebrating our nation’s freedom!
Memorial Illumination at Antietam National Battlefield
On the first Saturday evening each December, Antietam National Battlefield pays a memorial tribute to each of the 23,000+ casualties of the Battle of Antietam. On that night one candle luminary is lit for each of the fallen soldiers. The luminaries are then placed across acres and acres of battlefield ground. Visitors are invited to drive a five-mile route through the park after sunset to view the beautiful, yet very solemn and moving demonstration of the devastation that occurred on that fateful day.
THINGS TO DO & POINTS OF INTEREST
Antietam National Battlefield
5831 Dunker Church Road
Even if you’re not a Civil War buff, spending a day (or several) visiting Antietam National Battlefield is always an enjoyable and educational experience. Remember and learn about our nation’s bloodiest day in military history, September 17, 1862, while enjoying the expansive area of picturesque rolling hills and historic landmarks. You will find the hallowed grounds of the battlefield to be both serene and beautiful. For a few more details, check out our “Quick Guide” to visiting the battlefield.
Antietam National Cemetery
E. Main Street
Antietam National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 4,700 Union soldiers who were killed during the Battle of Antietam and a few other regional Civil War battles. The pristinely-kept grounds of the cemetery are a somber place of beauty and reverence to walk and reflect. Be sure to include a stop here in your battlefield touring plans.
Newcomer House
18422 Shepherdstown Pike
The Newcomer House, as it is now known, was built in the 1780’s by Christopher Orndorff and was part of a large milling complex that operated along Antietam Creek. Now the house and the barn across the street are part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Exhibit and Visitor’s Center. The exhibits housed within present three topics to visitors. They are titled “In the Heat of Battle”, “On the Home Front”, and “Beyond the Battlefield”. In addition, knowledgeable volunteers and plenty of informative brochures are available at the house. It’s a excellent place to stop by when you begin your exploration of the battlefield area.
Pry House Field Hospital Museum
18906 Shepherdstown Pike
The Pry House was built in 1844 by Mr. Phillip Pry who operated a large and prosperous farm on the property. It stands high on a hill overlooking the Sharpsburg area to its southwest. During the time of the Civil War it was home to Mr. Pry, his wife, Elizabeth, and their five children. In the days leading up to the battle, the house and its grounds were taken over by General George McClellan to be used as a headquarters and staging area for the Union Army. Following the battle, the house served as a Union Army hospital where hundreds of soldiers were tended to. Abraham Lincoln even visited a wounded Union general at the house about two weeks after the battle. Unfortunately, in the aftermath of the battle, the Pry family and their farm were left in near total devastation, and they relocated to Tennessee to start over.
Exhibits on display at the Pry House revolve around the history of the house, field hospital medicine, and the effects of the battle on the local populous.
Ferry Hill Plantation
16500 Shepherdstown Pike
Ferry Hill Plantation 
Ferry Hill House was built in 1812 on a high bluff above the Potomac River by Mr. John Blackford following his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Knode. Mr. Blackford farmed over 700 acres of land and was also a stakeholder in the ferry that operated on the river below. Residents and visitors of the grand mansion frequently commented on the stunning views of the river and “Old Virginia” that the house provided. Portions of the property remained in Mr. Blackford’s family until 1951. In 1973 the historic house and its grounds became a part of the C&O Canal National Historic Park, and it served as park headquarters from 1979 until 2001.
C&O Canal – Snyder’s Landing & Taylor’s Landing
Kayaks at Taylor’s Landing Boat Ramp 
Biking on the C&O Canal
A visit to Sharpsburg isn’t complete without spending some time on the C&O Canal and the adjacent Potomac River. Walk, jog, or bike on the canal, or canoe, kayak or tube on the Potomac. Check out Killiansburg Cave where the townspeople of Sharpsburg took refuge during the Battle of Antietam. Bring your binoculars and watch for bald eagles. Stop by Barron’s Store for an ice cream cone while you imagine what life was like for the “canawlers” that worked the canal over a century ago.
Ghost Tours
Looking for an evening activity with a spooky little twist? Well then, one of Sharpsburg’s ghost tours might be for you! Ghost tours combine our local history with stories handed down through generations of oral tradition, all wrapped up in some (possibly) hair-raising fun. Given the history of our town, one can only imagine the interesting and slightly scary stories that will be told by your costumed presenters! Check out these two local ghost tour operators for more information:
Hagerstown Model Railroad Museum at Antietam Station
17230 Shepherdstown Pike
Have a railroad enthusiast in your family or among your traveling companions? Stop by our local model railroad museum during one of their open houses! Young and old alike will delight in the exhibits and model train set-ups displayed within the historic Antietam train station building.
Tolson’s Chapel
111 E. High Street
Built in 1866, Tolson’s Chapel on E. High Street is a historic African-American church. Following the Civil War, it also served as a Freedman’s Bureau school for local black children. The church was named after Methodist preacher, John Tolson. Reverend Tolson led the formation of the congregation which remained active into the early 1900’s. Thankfully, the pretty little board-and-batten chapel was not lost to time. It is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.