Associated Press Published

Park Service Favors Adding W.Va. Battlefield to Antietam

Cannons on Bolivar Heights, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
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The National Park Service says a Civil War battlefield near Shepherdstown would make a suitable addition to the Antietam National Battlefield in neighboring Maryland.

The agency announced the finding Wednesday. Now it’s up to Congress to decide whether the boundary of the Antietam battlefield near Sharpsburg should be adjusted to include the 510-acre site across the Potomac River.

Congressional authorization would enable the park service to acquire land or conservation easements.

The Shepherdstown battle was the final engagement of the Maryland Campaign, which included clashes at Harpers Ferry, South Mountain, and Antietam.

The Battle of Shepherdstown is also known as the Battle of Boteler’s Ford. It was fought September 19 and 20, 1862 – two days after the battle of Antietam.

It resulted in more than 600 casualties.