Antietam

Antietam Ghosts: Haunted History

Eva Niessner

Antietam Ghosts: Haunted History

Because Maryland has such a long history, it's no surprise that the Old Line State also has a long history of hauntings. And one of the most haunted places in the entire state can be found right outside of Sharpsburg -- Antietam Battlefield. This Halloween, brave the ghosts of the past and find out why this site is so filled with paranormal activity.

You may not realize that the bloodiest single day in American history took place here on September 17 of 1862. More than 22,000 people died, went missing, or were wounded in the battle, which took place across the sunken road known now as Bloody Lane and the farmlands beyond. Those who believe in ghosts maintain that there are spiritual remnants on the site because of the intense loss of life.

Visitors have reported hearing phantom cannon booms and smelling unexplained scents like tobacco and gunpowder. They've also seen orbs in photos taken in the battlefield, both day and night. Famously, a group of schoolboys exploring the battlefield during a field trip reported hearing 'Christmas music' -- specifically, Deck the Halls. Their teacher realized that what they were hearing was the battle cry of the Union's Irish Brigade, which featured the Gaelic words that sounded like fa-la-la-la-la. 

After the battle, the Dunker Church nearby was the site of a truce between the Confederate and Union troops in order to care for wounded soldiers and bury those who had perished. Ghost hunters have reported hearing voices and footsteps, even when the church is empty. 

If you're planning to visit, there are plenty of options. Aspiring ghost-hunters can tour the Dunker Church, the cemetery, the field hospital, and of course the grounds upon which the battle took place. It's part of the National Park Service, and it's open all year round. You can even bring your dog! Be respectful, take only pictures, and keep an open mind. You may just see something you can't explain...

 

Leave a reply

sort by date

Latest articles

HOROSCOPE
Madame Maryland's Horoscope: February 2025

01/30/25

Madame Maryland's Horoscope: February...

Happy February, Marylanders! Could love be in the air for your sign? Adventure? Well, if you want to know what's in store for the next month, just look here. Madame...

read more
WILDLIFE
10 Turtle-y Cool Facts about MD Wildlife

01/30/25

10 Turtle-y Cool Facts about MD Wildlife

  Maryland isn't just home to lots of cool human residents. There are also lots of critters who call this place home! We're talking bears, dolphins, birds, and yes, ponies...

read more
HOROSCOPE
Madame Maryland's Horoscope: January 2025

12/31/24

Madame Maryland's Horoscope: January ...

  Happy New Year, Maryland friends! The year is full of potential for new friends, new jobs, and new opportunities. But what's around the corner for your sign in the...

read more
CHRISTMAS
5 Gifts For the Kiddos In Your Life

12/19/24

5 Gifts For the Kiddos In Your Life

    Youth Old Bay Hawaiian Shirt Could there be anything cuter than a kiddo rocking a Hawaiian shirt? Yes -- a kiddo rocking an Old Bay Hawaiian shirt! Your...

read more
7 Maryland Stocking Stuffers Under $15

12/19/24

7 Maryland Stocking Stuffers Under $15

Finding the perfect gift for friends, family, and coworkers can be tough, especially when you're on a tight budget. You don't need to spend a lot to make people smile,...

read more
MARYLAND
10 Places To Put on Your 2025 Maryland Bucket List

11/26/24

10 Places To Put on Your 2025 Marylan...

  There are some places in Maryland that are truly iconic -- places that every Marylander has been to not just once, but maybe a million times. But if you're...

read more
CHRISTMAS
10 Holiday Decorating Hacks For Your Home

11/15/24

10 Holiday Decorating Hacks For Your ...

Putting up holiday decor is one of the most fun things about this time of year, but let's be real. It's also one of the most stressful things, too. So...

read more
WHITE ELEPHANT
Five White Elephant Gifts Your Guests Will Love

10/30/24

Five White Elephant Gifts Your Guests...

Got a white elephant party coming up? If you've never been to one before, the rules are simple. Everyone brings a secret, wrapped gift that's typically a little bit silly...

read more
Madame Maryland's Horoscope: December 2024

11/26/24

Madame Maryland's Horoscope: December...

  Happy December, Marylanders! The last month of the year is finally here, but there's still so much to look forward to. What could be in store for your sign?...

read more