Planning is well underway for 145th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam, to be held near Boonsboro, Maryland, September 7-9, 2007.

Called "September Storm- The War Comes to Maryland" this event is hosted by the Western Maryland Heritage Foundation (WMHF) near the original 1862 Battlefields. This is an all-volunteer effort, with all proceeds going to the preservation and interpretation of the South Mountain State Battlefield. WMHF has hosted many events in the past, including the "Summer of '62" Reenactment last year, and the 140th Anniversary Reenactment of Monocacy in 2004.Thousands of reenactors and visitors are expected to commemorate this anniversary.

The Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a sponsor of the 145th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Together with WMHF and the South Mountain State Battlefield, we hope to not only educate in an honorable manner, but also to preserve our collective history so that future generations will have a deeper respect of our past.

"For years, the significance of the Battle of South Mountain has been overshadowed by the larger and more well-known Battle of Antietam, but more and more people are starting to recognize that this battle was the turning point of the Maryland Campaign." Said Al Preston, Assistant Manager of the South Mountain State Battlefield.

The Reenactment is scheduled to take place at the Town of Boonsboro "Town Farm" on Monroe Road, and members of the WMHF have been working closely with the Town on this and other projects.

"Focussing on high quality programming will insure we accurately depict the sacrifices made on our behalf." Chris Anders, Chairman of WMHF wrote. " Too often we forget just what our forefather did to preserve the liberties we enjoy today, and our children will enjoy tomorrow"

Other Commemorative events will take place at South Mountain State Battlefield on Friday, September 7th, leading up to the Reenactment on the 8th and 9th.

Organizers say that there is new awareness for the Battles of South Mountain (fought Sept. 14, 1862), and Antietam (September 17, 1862) as the real High Tide of the Confederacy. Over 29,000 Americans fell as casualties of these actions.

The Western Maryland Heritage Foundation is based out of Boonsboro, Maryland and can be reached at www.wmhf.org or 301-432-0103, and further updates will be available at www.marylandmemories.com