Sharpsburg logo Billed as the largest reeanctment in American history, the 135th commemoration of the Battle of Sharpsburg was all it was cracked up to be. Estimates put the number of soldiers anywhere between 15,000 and 17,000, and over 70,00 spectators were reported to have braved the traffic jams to witness the three battles and explore the treasures on Sutler Row.

The organizer of the event, the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, provided a real cornfield, a real sunken road, and weather that was nothing short of spectacular, considering the heavy rains that fell on the Hagerstown venue for three days preceding the event.

42nd Virginia Infantry Regiment group photograph
The 42nd Virginia fielded its largest contingent since the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Kneeling (left to right): Ken Lawson, Bob Lawson, and Dan Valencia. Standing (left to right): Jim Carr, Paul Martindale, Dave Mosley, John Douglass, Matt Rzegocki, Ken Bako, Ron Goodrich, Danny Sullivan, Garey Jones, and Jim Fletcher.

Photograph of a sea of canvas
The Confederate camp was a sea of canvas by Friday night
Photograph of camp street
42nd civilian member Susan Mundy surveys the camp street

Photograph of pre-battle formation
"Hurry up and wait" was the order of the day
Photograph of Bob Lawson tending the fire
Bob Lawson tends the fire during a break

Photograph of Kathie Fraser and Joel Craig, 5th NY Webmster Kathie Fraser infiltrated the Federal camp to visit Private Joel Craig of the 5th New York


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