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Antietam Campaign Scenic Byway Itinerary

This scenic byway is a 90-mile historic and scenic driving tour that follows the route taken during Robert E. Lee’s September 1862 Maryland Campaign during the US Civil War, in his attempt to gain foreign support for the Southern cause. The campaign resulted in the Union victory President Lincoln needed prior to announcing a proclamation freeing the slaves.

Along the way through Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC, there are varied activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, art and history museums, wineries and shopping.

Day 1

Leesburg (Loudoun Museum)

The Antietam Campaign Tour begins here, where Lee rested the Army of Northern Virginia before invading Maryland.

White’s Ferry

A major part of Lee’s army forded the Potomac River into Maryland two miles north of this modern ferry crossing, at White’s Ford, while a Confederate band played “Maryland! My Maryland!”

Sugarloaf Mountain

At different times, Union and Confederate signalmen atop the mountain watched the opposing army.

Monocacy National Battlefield (Best Farm)

This is the likely site where the famous Lost Order (Special Orders No. 191) was found, containing Gen. Robert E. Lee’s campaign strategy. And in July of 1864, Union General Lewis Wallace’s stubborn defense here delayed for two days Confederate General Jobal A. Early’s advance on Washington, DC.

Day 2

National Museum of Civil War Medicine

The premier center for the preservation and research of the legacy of Civil War medical innovation.

Barbara Fritchie House

In John Greenleaf Whittier’s famous ballad, a loyal old lady waved the Stars and Stripes here and shamed Stonewall Jackson.

Fox’s Gap

Three days prior to Antietam, battles were fought along three South Mountain “gaps.” Two generals – one Federal, one Confederate – died fighting for the gap. Hike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail from here or nearby Turner’s Gap.

Boonsboro

Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee had his headquarters here during the Battle of South Mountain.