FYI: our beloved tower

The observation tower at Antietam is one of my favorite non-battle related features at the park. This elegant (rather than elaborate) structure has been providing panoramic views since the 1880s.

If you are planning a visit to our nation's premier battlefield with the next 30 days or so please know that the this is the scene at the tower that will greet you.



Sorry, but the tower will be closed to the public for about a month while crucial repairs are made to its lovely red tile roof.

Please be patient as our outstanding cultural resources crew gets this gem ready for battle anniversary weekend in September.

See you then!

Ranger Mannie

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