Day 1

Following the Battle of Antietam, there were more wounded soldiers in Frederick than citizens. Visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to hear the story of the care, healing and medical advances that took place during the war.

This afternoon, stop at the Monocacy National Battlefield, known as the "battle that saved Washington." Monocacy National Battlefield was also the site where Lee’s Lost Order was discovered in a field by a Union soldier in 1862. The original Special Order #191  will be on display at the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center  from August 1 – October 31, 2012.

Day 2

Visit Sharpsburg , the site of Antietam National Battlefield, the bloodiest single-day in American history where 23,110 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. An 8.5 mile self-guided driving tour winds through the park, detailing the three phases of the battle and ending at Antietam National Cemetery.

Before departing the battlefield, stop at the Newcomer House, the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Exhibit and Visitor Center.  The center features interpretive exhibits that share the overarching themes of the heritage area -- In the Heat of Battle, On the Homefront, and Beyond the Battlefield.

Stop at the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, which served as headquarters for Union Commander General George B. McClellan and Major Jonathan Letterman, Medical Director for the Army of the Potomac.

Day 3

Visit South Mountain State Battlefield. The battle of South Mountain was fought September 14, 1862, prior to Antietam, and was the first conflict on northern soil. A museum at Washington Monument State Park details the conflict there.

The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton  shares three important stories of the Civil War. One of which is the Daughters of Charity, who valiantly served during the Civil War as nurses to the many wounded soldiers on both sides of the war.

From here you are less than a half hour drive from the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.