145th Reenactment of South Mountain & Antietam Announced
July 24, 2006 - For Immediate ReleaseContact: Chris Anders
The Western Maryland Heritage Foundation (WMHF) will be hosting to Official 145th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam during the weekend of September 7-9, 2007 in Boonsboro, MD. Sponsored, in part, by the Washington County Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB), the event, September Storm - The War Comes to Maryland, will recreate portions of the historically significant battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Thousands of reenactors and visitors are expected to commemorate this anniversary.
"Remembering our history and heritage is important, and the CVB is very pleased to be involved in the planning and financial support of this 145th Anniversary event. We think that the anniversary reenactments will not only be successful, but will achieve positive awareness of the Maryland Civil War Campaign of 1862," said Tom Riford, President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. South Mountain Battlefield State Park was Maryland's FIRST battlefield state park, and includes several national historic monuments and markers. Antietam is known as the "bloodiest single day in American history," and the battlefield is known as America's most pristine battlefield park.
Together, the WMHF, the CVB and the South Mountain State Battlefield plan historically accurate battlefield depictions that will serve to educate the public while honoring the veterans who served so bravely during that tumultuous time in our Nation's past. “Focusing 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.”
By commemorating both Battle of South Mountain AND the more famous Battle of Antietam, the event will show a broader view of Maryland's role in the American Civil War. “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. There is a 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.
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.
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.
The Western Maryland Heritage Foundation is headquartered in historic Boonsboro, Maryland and can be reached at www.wmhf.org or 301-432-0103. Further updates will be available at www.marylandmemories.com.
Download this press release HERE