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Antietam National BattlefieldFoggy morning at Bloody Lane
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Antietam National Battlefield
Natural Features & Ecosystems

Anyone visiting the park will realize that this historic site commemorating the battle of Antietam is not only significant because of its cultural value, but also its natural one.

The park lies on a bed of limestone, lending it to a variety of geologic features including karst systems, springs and seeps. This also provides a viable foundation for the very rich oak/hickory forest known as the Snavely Woods. Running through the woods is Antietam Creek, the body of water from which the battle received it's name.

Efforts are currently underway to inventory and monitor the water resources, forests communities, plants, animals and soils that comprise Antietam's historic landscape.

Nelson Miles during the Civil War  

Did You Know?
Colonel Nelson Miles of the 64th New York Infantry was a volunteer officer at Antietam and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery at Chancellorsville. After the Civil War he remained in the Army and by the Spanish American War in 1898 he was the Commanding General of the U.S. Army.

Last Updated: August 23, 2006 at 15:05 EST