Tour the Battlefields: 2 Days/1 Night
Day 1 – South Mountain State Battlefield, the Newcomer House, & Antietam National Battlefield
6620 Zittlestown Rd, Middletown, MD 21769 – As the 1st major battle of the Civil War fought in Maryland, it only makes sense to begin your trip at South Mountain State Battlefield in Washington County. The Battle of South Mountain was a critical turning point in the Civil War on September 14, 1862, and today, the battlefield seeks to preserve and interpret the event in the broader context of Maryland’s social and military history.
LUNCH – Stop in at Potomac Ridge Brewing for locally brewed beer and brick oven pizza, or a spot of ice cream at South Mountain Creamery for fresh churned ice cream made from local milk
18422 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville, MD 21756 – One of the few original homes open to the public built in the 1780s and located on the Antietam National Battlefield, the Newcomer House serves as the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area’s Visitor Center, which guides visitors to destinations in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties. Additionally, the Newcomer House provides information about the battlefield and an interpretive room to provide insight into the Newcomer family in the 1860s.
5831 Dunker Church Rd, Sharpsburg, MD 21782 – With context gained from the Newcomer House, finish your first day of travel by walking the grounds of the Antietam National Battlefield. The Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, marks the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, and the Union victory led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Visit the visitor center to pick up maps, guides, and information, and check out their calendar for their list of events and tours.
DINNER – Grab a bite in Williamsport, or get an early start the next morning in Frederick and dine at one of Frederick’s many family-owned restaurants.
OVERNIGHT – For large gatherings, consider any number of hotels and inns around Frederick, or for a more intimate, immersive experience in our Civil War history, look to Inn BoonsBoro before leaving Washington County, or any other local Bed & Breakfasts.
Day 2 – Monocacy National Battlefield, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Corbit’s Charge, & Ellsworth Cemetery
5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704 – The Battle of Monocacy took place on July 9, 1864 in Frederick County. Experience 1,647 acres of rolling farm fields, historic buildings, and sweeping panoramas along the scenic Monocacy River through a self-guided walking or auto tour of the battlefield, or keep an eye on their calendar for any special events happening.
Note: As of 6/6/2025, the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center at 5201 Urbana Pike is closed until further notice.
48 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701 – Now that you’ve seen the battlegrounds, learn about happenings off the field at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine where visitors follow in the footsteps of soldiers and surgeons to discover the harsh conditions, personal sacrifices, and brilliant innovations of Civil War medicine, innovations that continue to save lives today. Note: See here for admittance fees; military and student discounts are available.
LUNCH – Finding lunch in downtown Frederick is simple, with a variety of options ranging for a variety of palettes. See here for a list of recommended cafes, restaurants, and breweries.
210 East Main Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157 – Take a self-guided walking tour in Westminster, following in the footsteps of soldiers from Corbit’s Charge, otherwise known as the Battle of Westminster. On June 29, 1863, Captain Charles Corbit led 100 Union soldiers down the streets of Westminster to fend off nearly 6,000 Confederates, effectively delaying Confederate cavalry on their way to Gettysburg.
800 Leidy Rd, Westminster, MD 21157 – Round out your education of the Civil War in Maryland with a visit to Ellsworth Cemetery in Carroll County. Established in 1876 by African American Veterans of the Civil War, the historic Ellsworth Cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent Black residents of Carroll County. Learn about the contributions, sacrifices, and struggles of Black soldiers and civilians during the Civil War as the cemetery uncovers daily new stories of those buried at Ellsworth.
End your tour of our Civil War Heritage Area in Carroll County with good food and better views: see here for a list of recommended restaurants. Take advantage of local events, including live music, trivia nights, and more, or go for an afternoon/evening walk along Little Pipe Creek.