Details underfoot

Frequently, in our assessments of how well or how poorly Civil War soldiers fought, we overlook one of their most fundamental hardships - the shoes they campaigned in.

A recent meeting between the Park's volunteer artillery detachment and a group of active duty military personnel provided the opportunity for a side-by-side comparison of combat footwear "then and now".

The challenges faced by the 1862 G.I. become even more apparent when one considers trying to fight and conquer rugged terrain in these smooth-soled ankle boots.

Details like these help to connect people to their parks.

Artillery Weekend

Cannoneers post!

Right gun,  fire!

Left gun,  fire!

Secure the piece!

Another great Artillery Weekend, again made possible by our dedicated volunteers and South Mountain State Park colleagues.

Mannie

Misc.

A crying tot, wandering around...

makes a new friend before being returned to distracted parent.

Still making friends, just north of Sharpsburg,

Ranger Mannie

SHAF Maryland Campaign Tour Info

Hey! go here to see a picture of Dennis Frye armed and dangerous, and participating in a really cool program.

How Sharpsburg Remembers

From the preparations beforehand...

to the observance in the town square...

the rededication of the General Nagle statue... 

through the parade...

with its returning veterans...

(seasonal ranger Clayton Barker, just returned from Iraq and WWII veteran, Percy King from the maintenance division)

to the memorial ceremony at the National Cemetery...

there is no better place to be on Memorial Day than 

Sharpsburg Maryland.

My favorite place.

Hope to see you next year.

Ranger Mannie