The Memorial Illumination at Antietam National Battlefield | December 5
On Saturday evening December 5, 2015, Antietam National Battlefield, 5831 Dunker Church Road Sharpsburg, MD will host the Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination in honor of those soldiers who fell during the Battle of Antietam. There will be 23,000 Candles, one Candle for Each Soldier Killed, Wounded or Missing at the Battle of Antietam.
The Illumination opens to the public at 6:00 p.m. The main entrance to the event is Richardson Avenue off Maryland Route 34. From Hagerstown, travel to Sharpsburg and head east on Maryland Route 34 and make an appropriate turnaround at some point to access the line on the westbound shoulder of Route 34.
The driving tour through the park is approximately 5 miles long. Vehicles are to use parking lights only, to the extent technology permits this, and continue through the event without stopping. Visitors are prohibited from walking the tour route. Event brochures will be distributed at the event entrance and contributions will also be accepted. If the event needs to be rescheduled due to weather, the following Saturday, December 12 is the make up date.
If you plan to attend:
Entrance to the park for this event is on Route 34.
Stopping or exiting vehicles along the route is not permitted.
The line of cars to enter can be up to two hours long.
There are no bathrooms along the route.
The visitor center closes at 3:00 p.m.
Map of the event is here.
