164th Commemoration of the Battle of South Mountain / Crampton’s Gap

The Burkittsville Preservation Association is proud to host two days of living history, education and fun at the Shafer Farm outside of Burkittsville, Maryland! This event will commemorate the 164th anniversary of the Battle of South Mountain, specifically the fighting at Crampton’s Gap.

Beginning at 10am, the living history camps will be open to the public at Shafer Farm on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026. Shafer Farm was a major camp for the United States VI Corps prior to the fighting at Crampton’s Gap. Living history reenactors will portray camp life on campaign, the struggles of the civilian population and give firing demonstrations periodically throughout the day.

There will also be guest speakers on site in the Shafer Barn discussing the fighting at South Mountain and the men who took part in that battle.

Saturday: Camps open at 10am, close at 5pm

Lectures are at 12 and 2pm with potential firing demonstrations at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Sunday: Camps open at 10am, close at 2pm

Lecture at 12pm with firing demonstrations at 11am and 1pm.