Antietam National Cemetery | Frederick

Antietam National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in Frederick, Maryland. It serves as the final resting place for Union soldiers who died during the Battle of Antietam.

Visual Characteristics

The cemetery grounds are characterized by meticulously maintained green lawns. Headstones are uniformly white marble, arranged in precise rows. A central monument, constructed of granite, stands prominently within the grounds. The overall landscape is open, with mature trees providing scattered shade.

Location & Access Logistics

Antietam National Cemetery is situated approximately 15 miles west of Frederick, Maryland. Access is via Maryland Route 34 (Sharpsburg Pike). From Frederick, take US-340 West to MD-34 East. The cemetery is located directly on MD-34. Ample parking is available on-site, adjacent to the visitor center. No public transport directly serves the cemetery; private vehicle is the primary access method.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1862, the cemetery was created to inter the Union dead from the Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862. The land was acquired by the federal government shortly after the battle. The site is a managed landscape, not a natural geological formation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk the grounds and observe the uniform headstones. The National Park Service visitor center, located adjacent to the cemetery, provides historical context and exhibits. Self-guided walking tours are available. Observation of the Civil War battlefield, which surrounds the cemetery, is a primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the visitor center. Shade is provided by mature trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located within the cemetery; food options are available in the nearby town of Sharpsburg.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on headstones and monuments, early morning or late afternoon is recommended. The months of April through October offer the most favorable weather conditions for outdoor visitation. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

The cemetery contains the graves of over 4,700 Union soldiers, with more than 2,300 interred in unmarked graves. A unique feature is the "National Cemetery Monument," a 44-foot granite obelisk erected in 1880.

Nearby Landmarks

• Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center (0.1km West)
• Burnside Bridge (1.5km Southwest)
• The Pry House Field Hospital Museum (2.0km West)
• Shepherdstown, West Virginia (5.0km West)