The Great (re)Treat

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The Battle of Antietam is known as the Bloodiest one-day battle in U.S. History, resulting in over 23,000 causalities. A number of make-shift triage centers, referred to as field hospitals, were constructed to tend to the wounded. In the days and weeks following the combat, soldiers were transported to established hospitals such as Washington D.C.’s Carver Hospital.

In June 1864, Walt Whitman wrote a letter to his mother about the “great treat of ice cream.” He recalled his distribution of ten gallons of “very nice” ice cream around 15 wards in Washington D.C.’s Carver Hospital as bittersweet. He wrote, “many of the men had to be fed, several of them I saw cannot probably live, yet they quite enjoyed it, I gave everybody some — quite a number western country boys had never tasted ice cream before — they relish such things.”

Itinerary

Gather the troops for a journey through the winding roads and hallowed ground of Antietam National Battlefield. Begin your visit at the Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center in Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Upon arrival view the 26-minute introductory film at the Visitor Center, the film is shown on the hour and the half hour. After the film, set aside some time to explore the on-sight museum and store. Rally the group and board the coach for a battlefield tour with your Step-On Guide.

Featured Antietam Tour Stops

► West Cornfield

► Sunken Road

► Burnside Bridge

After your tour of Antietam have the troops board the coach for lunch in Hagerstown, MD at the Valley Mall! Students can dine on their own at the food court or as a group at one of the many on-site restaurants such as Golden Corral, Red Robin, Noodles & Company, Olive Garden and Primanti Brothers!

In the afternoon advance along our scenic byways to the base of the Appalachian Mountains to your final destination Misty Meadows Farm Creamery. Arrange for your group to take a tractor pulled wagon tour of Misty Meadows farm. Enjoy a scoop or two of one of 50 ice cream flavors!

The Great (re)Treat

GROUPS & TOUR PLANNING