Antietam National Battlefield commemorates the site of the bloodiest single day in US Civil War history. The battle of Antietam or (Sharpsburg)was important in many ways. Robert E.Lee made his first attempt to invade northern territory and was narrowly defeated by a superior Union force despite heavy causalities. After the battle the Union General George McClellan was relieved of overall command because of his failure to pursue Lee with his superior force.
The most important consequence of the battle was that Lincoln was able to use the victory to announce the Emancipation Proclamation. Although it did not actually free any slaves at the time the symbol was undeniable.
The battlefield itself is excellently presented with a good visitor center and a nice driving tour winding its way through the key areas of the battlefield. The park also has some wonderful walking opportunities.
The main visitor center for the park is on the Virginia side of the river and is where most of the infrastructure and hiking trails are located. On the Maryland side of the river is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park and the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. There are a dozen unique passport to the National Park cancellation stamps so be sure to check the park web site for details. There are a lot of hiking and walking opportunities here as well, the most fun is the Billy Goat trail where you literally go up a cliff face like a mountain goat.
Trains, trains, trains!! If you love trains and railroads this is the site for you. The Steamtown National Historic Site is the National Park Service site dedicated to trains and the history of railroading in the US. Steamtown NHS occupies about 40 acres of the Scranton, PA railroad yard. The large collection of cars contains locomotives, freight cars and passenger cars all available to explore. The museum has a collection of artifacts and presents the history of steam railroads in the country. During the summer season there is the opportunity to ride on a steam train and go on passenger rail journeys off site.
The Albany Covered Bridge near the Conway, New Hampshire entrance to the Kancamangus highway is a prime example of New England covered bridge architecture. The bridge was first built in 1857 and rebuilt in 1858 after a severe wind storm. The bridge is very scenic being set in a heavily wooded area over the Swift River. Very beautiful all year but especially in the fall when the leaves are at peak color.
The Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York harbor is probably the most iconic representation of American ideals. For many it was the first site new immigrants saw as they made there way to their new lives in the United States. Dedicated in 1886 and named a national monument in 1924 it a must visit for anyone going to NYC.
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
In this era of demonizing other cultures and religions that we live in today it is important to remember the credo that made the country what it is today, inclusion and diversity.
To get to the statue you must grab a ferry run by Statue Cruises either at Liberty State Park in New Jersey or Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City. My suggestion is to go to the Jersey side of the river both for ease of access and good shoreline views of the statue. A quick ferry ride can get you to Manhattan for additional sightseeing without the hassle of city traffic.
When you arrive at Liberty Island there will be restrooms and snack bars available at the point of debarkation and the statue is a short walk to the right. You will need to make reservations for the pedestal and crown if you want to go up into the statue. There is heavy security and you will have to check any backpack or other bag into the provided lockers. After waiting in line a certain amount of people will be allowed to enter and there are staircases and a small elevator available. The elevator is small and crowded and unless you have a disability I suggest you take the stairs. I am not in great shape but I had little difficulty. The balcony on the pedestal is jam packed with people and the view of the skyline is no better than from ground level. If you want to have an “I did that” experience by all means go up.
