Defining Liberty: Antietam 86 Years After Independence

Cost: $37.50 per person

The Battle of Antietam exploded on September 17, 1862. It became infamous as the single bloodiest day in American history and led to the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, an important step toward ending slavery in the nation. Looking at the long timeline of the American pursuit of liberty, Antietam’s battle is poised 86 years after the founding of the United States and exactly 75 years after the signing of the Constitution. 

This history hike will explore the 1862 combat near Dunker Church, the West Woods, and Miller’s Cornfield, while tracing how Civil War soldiers in blue and gray remembered the American Revolution. For many, legacy stories of the Revolution and perceptions of liberty shaped why they fought in their own history-changing moment.  

Exertion: PWe rate this tour as MODERATE. It involves some 3.5 miles of walking and several stops. We will mostly follow mowed and grassy trails, but may include rocks, mud, branches, tree roots, and other obstacles.

Please Note

• This hiking tour has a registration fee. These fees support the American Battlefield Trust's education efforts and cover the permits required for the tours. They also help us offer members more quality programming worldwide.
• Full refund if canceled on or before April 14, 2026.
• Hiking tours are not for the faint of heart. Please read the description closely before choosing to join us.
• Lunch and buses will not be provided on this tours. Participants are expected to bring their own water, food, and supplies.

We look forward to seeing you in the field!