Why choose this tour ?
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Explore and understand the Antietam Battlefield with this self-guided driving tour. See where Union and Confederate lines clashed, over and over, in a desperate struggle to maintain control. Feel the poignancy of the sacrifices made on the single bloodiest day in American history during the Civil War. After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips! This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
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What makes Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour a unique experience ?
Antietam National Battlefield is a National Park Service-protected area along Antietam Creek in Sharpsburg, Washington County, northwestern Maryland. It commemorates the American Civil War Battle of Antietam that occurred on September 17, 1862. Note: The 19+ mile tour covers the essentials of Antietam Battlefield in 2-3 hours.
Our drive then brings us to a monument dedicated to Major General Joseph Mansfield. Just as the battle is beginning, Mansfield leaves his untrained battalion to scout the cornfield and ascertain the situation. When he comes back, he's slumped over his horse, having suffered a mortal chest wound. His soldiers, already spooked by the fighting, are aghast. How can they hope to survive without their commander?
Our next stop is the West Woods. By now, the Union has a clear upper hand, but the battle is far from over. 5,000 Union soldiers charge into this forest, hoping to repeat the easy victory their comrades found in the East Woods. But Confederate cannons are waiting atop a nearby ridge. The guns rain hellfire on the Union, turning a siple advance into a desperate, life or death struggle.
Keep driving until you see the Mumma farmstead. As Confederate troops retreat past this point, they light the place on fire so the Union can't use it for cover. The Mumma family had already fled, but they'll come home later to find nothing but ashes.
Next, we'll arrive at the Irish Brigade monument, which honors the Irish Americans who fought at the Bloody Lane. Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice for their country right here. Then, we'll hear about the importance of this battle, and how everything hinges on a Union victory.
Continue driving until you reach Piper Farm. While the fighting rages across the battlefield, Confederate generals use this farm as their headquarters, planning each attack, each defensive line, looking for a way to emerge victorious.
Our drive takes us next to Burnside Bridge, where another wildly unbalanced struggle is taking place. 13,000 Union soldiers try to take the bridge while a mere 500 Confederates try to hold them back. But the Union men are sitting ducks trying to cross the bridge. Bodies pile up on the bridge as the Confederates mount a fierce defense.
Next, we'll arrive at the McKinley Monument, which honors the future 25th President of the United States, and recalls a story of the boy's odd brand of heroism following the brutal struggle on the bridge.
Fun fact! Sideburns are named after General Burnside. Once you look at his portrait, there’s really no need to guess why!
Next, we'll arrive near the site from which the Union forces assemble and launch their final attack against the Confederate lines, which by now have been forced to fall back repeatedly. We will watch the tumult of battle and gunfire, hear the beating of drums and the war cries, and, finally, see what is left after the dust clears.
This optional detour takes us to a monument honoring the 9th New York Infantry, who almost broke through the final Confederate line in an attack which could have changed the rest of the war--but didn't quite succeed.
Another detour takes us to Tolson Chapel, built by Black Americans just one year after the war ended.
Our next optional stop is Piper House, one of Sharpsburg’s oldest houses. It gives us a glimpse into what the town was like even before the Civil War put it on the map.
This detour brings us to the Mount Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, which dates all the way back to 1768. During the battle, Confederates used the now-demolished church next to this cemetery to send orders and information to troops across the battlefield. And afterward, the Union used the same church as a field hospital!
The final optional stop is the Antietam National Cemetery, where the remains of 4,776 Union soldiers rest alongside about 200 dead from the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
- CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour
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Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Great value: One purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Not Included
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Trending Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Action Day Trips.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at America/New_York.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 24 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 4 Travelers is accepted for booking.
You’re not done yet! It’s time to set up the tour you purchased. Follow these steps now, while in wifi/signal. Do NOT wait until your travel date or while onsite. 1. Find the tour setup instructions: >> Email: search for the phrase "Your tour operator sent you a message” OR “Set up your Action Tour Guide self-guided tour now." If it’s not in Inbox, check All Mail. >> Viator App Messages: open the app, check Bookings, select View Voucher, and click on Contact Tour Operator >> TripAdvisor App Messages: open the app, check Account, select Messages >> Text: check for a text from 415-980-4997 >> Can’t find it? Ask us to resend: https://actiontourguide.com/redeem/ 2. Follow the set up instructions NOW, not later: >> MUST do this before traveling to site. Requires WiFi/signal. >> Do NOT wait until your travel date to access the tour for the first time. The tour is not tied to your travel date. 3. Not familiar with our self-guided audio tours? Watch this quick tutorial: https://actiontourguide.com/tutorial ⚠️ Important Note: Your purchase is for the audio tour ONLY. It does not include entrance tickets to parks or attractions. ⚠️ CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed. Have a question - We’re here to help! For quick answers, visit the app's FAQ section or our website at actiontourguide.com/faq. If you need further assistance, please call us at +1 412-205-8152, chat with us online, or email us at support@actiontourguide.com. We're committed to providing you with the support you need every step of the way!
