Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucas)

Antietam National Battlefield is a wonderful place for butterfly watching. With the abundant stands of thistles and other wildflowers July and August have the park absolutely aflutter with these gentle bugs.



Two great spots for observing and photographing butterflies are where the East Woods meets the Cornfield (where Tyndale's Brigade plastered the 4th GA) and the heights above Burnside Bridge where the stone wall lets you perch within the thistle patch.

Sit still for about thirty seconds and the Butterflies seem to become pretty oblivious to you. The only upside of this very dry summer is that there are no mosquitos. Having to use bug spray would preclude getting these close-ups.




The Tiger Swallowtail butterfly is so confident of its disguise of a toxic butterfly that you can actually get it to fearlessly perch on your finger, if it deigns to, that is.



This beautiful battlefield truly has something for everyone.

Come see for yourself, just north of Sharpsburg.

Ranger Mannie

Roadtrip

Today I'm going to visit the new visitor center at Monocacy National Battlefield. I'll post more when I return.

Attention Remodelers!

Nothing will take the fun out of a project faster than Crown Moulding.


Coumpound angles + my meager math skills = my frustrating afternoon.

Must go now and meet with Doctor Budweiser.

Cleaning the glue off my fingers, just north of Boonsboro

Mannie

Chambersburg Civil War Seminar

It was a very busy week at the park as the annual Chambersburg Civil War Seminar came to Sharpsburg with the Battle of Antietam as its focus. Lots of top-flight historians and writers provided numerous lectures, tours and hikes. Nearly the entire ranger crew participated in hikes and talks for nearly 100 seminar participants. I gave a 90 minute hike and talk on George Sears Greene.

On Saturday night the footsore, hungry, but always ready to learn faithful gathered at the historic Mumma Farm at the heart of the battlefield for remarks by co-coordinator and Antietam Ranger Keven Walker.

Following historical perspectives on the farm and Mumma family by Keven it was suppertime and the Mumma barn was opened to reveal a 19th century supper for all. It was quite delicious.

(Hey isn't that Ed Bearss, not eating his lima beans?)




Thanks to park historian Ted Alexander for asking me to participate.

I guess I can say that a good time was had by all.

Mannie

Huzzah for the bully boys of New Hampsha'

I'm off this week to finish building the final bookcase of our library. Soon I'll be able to pose for (self-timed) photos of myself in front of an impressive collection of (other peoples) Civil War books. Look out Kevin Levin!

I'm taking a break from mismeasuring lumber and bending nails to put up a short post about recent events at the park.

Last weekend at Antietam National Battlefield 32 or so, living historians, portraying the 6th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry provided demonstrations for visitors. Having half a company on hand to give loading and firing demonstrations, as well as rudimentary company-size manuvering was very instructive, also fun to watch.

And I, for one, was glad to be only watching. With temps in the high nineties and humidity to match, wearing a wool uniform in the blazing sunshine must have been miserable...hey, I think that was a teachable moment!

Here's some pics:

Mustering at Dunker Church.


Some pretty good impressions.


Visitor's really asked a lot of good questions.


The ever-watchful tower in the background.


Their very colorful color sergeant. I think the wrist and hand tattoos indicate previous service in the Union Navy.

Firing by ranks.


Hope to see them again next year.

Lots of good history,

just north of Sharpsburg

Ranger Mannie