Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975.


Call (800) 454-5768

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST


Create an account                             Forgot your password?

Log In via Facebook

Log in to see all you can do with your online Road Scholar account.

SHARPSBURG, MARYLAND

Civil War: The Battles of South Mountain, Harpers Ferry, and Antietam

Select a Date

 

SIGN UP

and receive your

FREE E-NEWSLETTER

&

E-Photo Book:



Top 10 Learning Experiences Around the World

Find A Program

Search By:

Location

 MD

Interest

 History & Culture

Price Range

 $500 - $700

Start Date

End Date

More Options
Search

Road Scholar
Program #1509RJ

Enroll Here
Add to Your Wishlist

6 Days | 5 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately Challenging
Print
Print
Details
 Email
Email
 Videos
Videos
 Pictures
Photos
Just fill in the information below and click the submit button to send this program to a friend.

* indicates a required field

*Your name:  
*Your Email Address:
 
 
*Your Friend's Email Address:
 
 
Message:


Close [ x ]
 
Love to learn in a small-group setting? This collection of programs has at most 10-24 participants.
See our Small Group programs.
Close [ x ]
 
EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Apr 14 — Apr 19, 2013

Expand all
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: Situated at mile 83 along the C&O national park canal towpath, Shepherd's Spring has 220 acres of woodland and rolling meadows. Hiking trails and a natural spring are on the property. We are one of few host sites in the nation for a Heifer International Global Village.

Contact info:
16869 Taylors Landing Road
Sharpsburg, MD 21782 USA
phone: 301-223-8193
web: www.shepherdsspring.org

Room amenities: Rooms are simple and comfortable and include a luggage rack, dresser, desk, chair, and futon. Telephone and television are available in the common areas but not in rooms. Each room has its own private bathroom along with individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Linens are provided, though there is no maid service during the program.

Facility amenities: Comfortable rooms, with the distraction of TV and telephones only in the common areas. A free basic wireless internet access is available in the common area also. Free parking available on site.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $45/ room
Call ahead for availability at (301) 223-8193

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, April 14 - Registration and Orientation Meet your fellow learners! 
Afternoon: 3 - 5 pm: Registration, and Check-in - Lobby of the Conference Center Lodge.

Dinner: 5:30 pm Buffet style Dinner in the Dining Room with salad bar and tempting dessert

Evening: Orientation and overview of the week's schedule in the Gathering Room. Join our historian for a look at the issue of slavery and state's rights - one of the causes of the Civil War.

Lodging: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: Situated at mile 83 along the C&O national park canal towpath, Shepherd's Spring has 220 acres of woodland and rolling meadows. Hiking trails and a natural spring are on the property. We are one of few host sites in the nation for a Heifer International Global Village.

Contact info:
16869 Taylors Landing Road
Sharpsburg, MD 21782 USA
phone: 301-223-8193
web: www.shepherdsspring.org

Room amenities: Rooms are simple and comfortable and include a luggage rack, dresser, desk, chair, and futon. Telephone and television are available in the common areas but not in rooms. Each room has its own private bathroom along with individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Linens are provided, though there is no maid service during the program.

Facility amenities: Comfortable rooms, with the distraction of TV and telephones only in the common areas. A free basic wireless internet access is available in the common area also. Free parking available on site.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $45/ room
Call ahead for availability at (301) 223-8193

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Two: Monday, April 15 - Lectures, Film and exploration of the Shepherd's Spring site 
Note: From John Brown's Raid to the first invasion of the North - setting the scene for battle.

Breakfast: Hot buffet style Breakfast in the Dining Room with fresh fruit and cereal, too

Morning: Documentary Film: John Brown's Holy War - John Brown's Raid served as a catalyst for those who saw slavery as a great injustice. The impact of his "raid" is explored in a PBS documentary. Known as the shot heard round the world, this pre-cursor to the Civil War sets the stage for Lincoln to issue an emancipation proclamation. Explore other underlying causes that led the Nation to Civil War with our expert Civil War Historian. Then journey with the experts as the stage is set for the Maryland Campaign - a bold invasion of the North by the Confederacy - what did they hope to accomplish and where were they going will be answered in this lecture.

Lunch: Terrific buffet style Lunch in the Dining Room with soup and salad bar

Afternoon: Harpers Ferry plays a key role in the decisions made in the Maryland Campaign. The afternoon lecture will explore how the events at Harpers Ferry and South Mountain that led to the Battle of Antietam. Explore portions of the Shepherd's Spring property that provided Civil War era artifacts with an afternoon walk on the trails.

Dinner: Buffet style Dinner in the Dining Room with salad bar and tempting dessert

Evening: Living History re-enactors present the Civil War Soldier: Arms, Equipment and Uniforms featuring both Union and Confederate troop accoutrements.

Lodging: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: Situated at mile 83 along the C&O national park canal towpath, Shepherd's Spring has 220 acres of woodland and rolling meadows. Hiking trails and a natural spring are on the property. We are one of few host sites in the nation for a Heifer International Global Village.

Contact info:
16869 Taylors Landing Road
Sharpsburg, MD 21782 USA
phone: 301-223-8193
web: www.shepherdsspring.org

Room amenities: Rooms are simple and comfortable and include a luggage rack, dresser, desk, chair, and futon. Telephone and television are available in the common areas but not in rooms. Each room has its own private bathroom along with individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Linens are provided, though there is no maid service during the program.

Facility amenities: Comfortable rooms, with the distraction of TV and telephones only in the common areas. A free basic wireless internet access is available in the common area also. Free parking available on site.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $45/ room
Call ahead for availability at (301) 223-8193

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Three: Tuesday, April 16 - Manassas Battlefield 
Note: 2nd Battle of Manassas sets the stage for the Maryland Campaign

Breakfast: Buffet style Breakfast served in the Dining Room with fresh fruit, pastries and cereal selections

Morning: Travel to nearby Manassas, Virginia to explore the 2nd Battle of Manassas and how it led to the invasion plan of the Confederacy. Historians will share the strategy of this Confederate victory as we walk the battlefield.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the Battlefield.

Afternoon: Continue our exploration of the South Mountain Battlefield Gaps with a stop in historic Burkittsville and a stop at the first monument erected to honor the Nation's first President

Dinner: Buffet style dinner in the dining room, including salad bar and dessert

Evening: Relax for the evening with free time OR a viewing of the film " Antietam"

Lodging: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: Situated at mile 83 along the C&O national park canal towpath, Shepherd's Spring has 220 acres of woodland and rolling meadows. Hiking trails and a natural spring are on the property. We are one of few host sites in the nation for a Heifer International Global Village.

Contact info:
16869 Taylors Landing Road
Sharpsburg, MD 21782 USA
phone: 301-223-8193
web: www.shepherdsspring.org

Room amenities: Rooms are simple and comfortable and include a luggage rack, dresser, desk, chair, and futon. Telephone and television are available in the common areas but not in rooms. Each room has its own private bathroom along with individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Linens are provided, though there is no maid service during the program.

Facility amenities: Comfortable rooms, with the distraction of TV and telephones only in the common areas. A free basic wireless internet access is available in the common area also. Free parking available on site.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $45/ room
Call ahead for availability at (301) 223-8193

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Four: Wednesday, April 17 - South Mountain and Harpers Ferry Battlefield explorations 
Note: From Lost Orders to Jefferson's Rock viewpoint at Harpers Ferry, the Maryand Campain invades the North.

Breakfast: A morning walk on the Shepherd's Spring property followed by a hearty buffet style breakfast in the Dining Room

Morning: Join our Battlefield historians as we trace the route of the Confederate army from crossing the Potomac at Frederick, the lost orders that gave away their strategy and the pursuit of the Federal army through the Middletown valley. This pursuit culminated in battles along the ridgetop of South Mountain. Our historian and guide will bring the struggle to control the gaps or roadways across this rugged terrain into focus.

Lunch: Enjoy a Gourmet Picnic lunch at Harpers Ferry , providing energy for an optional climb up to Jefferson's Rock

Afternoon: Complete the day's battlefield exploration with the journey into Harpers Ferry. From the mountaintops surrounding the town, put yourself in the position of the 12,000 green recruits as they become surrounded by Confederate troops. Conclude our history lesson in time to do some exploring on your own. Jefferson's Rock, up the hill from the main town area provides a wonderful view of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers - one Jefferson thought worthy of a trip across an ocean!

Dinner: Buffet style dinner with salad bar and dessert served in the Shepherd's Spring dining room

Evening: Take a break from Civil War history to visit another piece of local history - the C & O Canal. The town of Williamsport was one of the three main ports along this important water transportation route. Within a half mile stroll, a lock, aqueduct, loading basin and railroad lift bridge highlight the engineering success of the canal.

Lodging: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: Situated at mile 83 along the C&O national park canal towpath, Shepherd's Spring has 220 acres of woodland and rolling meadows. Hiking trails and a natural spring are on the property. We are one of few host sites in the nation for a Heifer International Global Village.

Contact info:
16869 Taylors Landing Road
Sharpsburg, MD 21782 USA
phone: 301-223-8193
web: www.shepherdsspring.org

Room amenities: Rooms are simple and comfortable and include a luggage rack, dresser, desk, chair, and futon. Telephone and television are available in the common areas but not in rooms. Each room has its own private bathroom along with individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Linens are provided, though there is no maid service during the program.

Facility amenities: Comfortable rooms, with the distraction of TV and telephones only in the common areas. A free basic wireless internet access is available in the common area also. Free parking available on site.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: $45/ room
Call ahead for availability at (301) 223-8193

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Five: Thursday, April 18 - Antietam National Battlefield field trip 
Note: The single bloodiest day in American history happened in the fields of peace loving farmers.

Breakfast: Enjoy a hot buffet style Breakfast including fresh fruit and cereal selections

Morning: Follow the troop movements at the battle of Antietam, beginning with the early morning skirmish in the Miller's cornfield. As we traverse the battlefield the challenges of terrain and communications help to define the outcomes of the day. Our expert historian shares perspectives from common soldiers to generals as we trace the events of the day.

Lunch: Enjoy a Picnic lunch in the village of Keedysville

Afternoon: Continue following the troop movements and strategy of the generals as we pass the Mumma homestead, the Dunker Church and Bloody Lane. Storm the lower bridge crossing Antietam Creek with General Burnside as we study the afternoon and evening phase of the Battle.

Dinner: Enjoy a Banquet style dinner in the Lodge dining room

Evening: Travel the years of the Civil War through song with a local soloist and historian

Lodging: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Six: Friday, April 19 - Review the events around the battle of Antietam and their lasting... 
Review the events around the battle of Antietam and their lasting effects on the Nation

Breakfast: Hot buffet style Breakfast in the Dining Room with fresh fruit and pastries

Morning: Review the events surrounding the Battle of Antietam and their lasting effects on the region and the Nation with our expert historian. Test your knowledge with a fun game show format.

Lunch: 11:30 Buffet style Lunch in the Dining Room Check-out immediately following lunch

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Free Time Opportunities


Sharpsburg, MD
Antietam National BattlefieldThe Battle of Antietam (or Sharpsburg) on Sept. 17, 1862 greatly altered the course of the American Civil War. It remains as the bloodiest day in American History - there were some 23,110 casualties. Visitors can walk or drive by the Dunker Church, the North and East Woods, The Cornfield, the Mumma Farmstead, Bloody Lane (Sunken Road) Burnside Bridge, and Antietam National Cemetery. Antietam National Battlefield lies north and east of Sharpsburg, along Md. 35 and 65. Both routes intersect either U.S. 40 or 40A and I-70. The Visitor's Center is opening daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. All visitor center facilities and most tour route exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Antietam National Battlefield and Cemetery are adminstered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. P.O. Box 158 Sharpsburg, MD 21782 301-432-5124
For additional information, visit: www.nps.gov/anti
Chesapeake and Ohio CanalThe Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began as a dream of passage to western wealth, It operated as a conduit of eastern coal, suffered extensive and finally fatal flooding, and then resisted being paved as a highway. Today it endures as a national historical park - a pathway into history, nature, and recreation. The canal runs along the Potomac River from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown, Washington DC (184.5 miles) The canal abuts the property line of Shepherd's Spring at Mile Marker 83. It is popular with hikers and bicyclists. For general information about the canal, write: C&O National Historical Park, 1850 Dual Highway, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or call 301-739-4200.
For additional information, visit: www.nps.gov\choh
Foxcross PotteryDel Martin, potter, lives and works at Foxcross with his wife, Carol. Their secluded rural home, overlooking the Potomac River, and pottery is both self-constructed and self-sustaining. They invite visitors to come glimpse their work and lifestyle. Foxcross pottery is just 5 minutes from Shepherd's Spring, and is open Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday 1 - 5 pm or by appointment. The pottery is lead-free and uses stony reduction glazes. Address: 6640 Remsburg Road Sharpsburg, Md 21782 301-432-6692
Washington County Museum of Fine ArtsThe holdings contain over 6,000 works of art, and the museum is nationally recognized for its collection of 19th and early 20th century American Art. In addition, visitors can view 18th century to contemporary paintings, drawings, sculpture, and decorative arts. There are also holding of Old Masters, European, Asian, African, and Native American Art. Hours: Tues - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm, Sun. 1 - 5 pm. Located at 91 Key Street, City Park, Hagerstown, MD email: wcmfa@aol.com phone: 301-739-5727 the galleries are fully accessible to those with disabilities and wheelchairs are available.
For additional information, visit: www.washcomuseum.org
Enroll Here

Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
Currently selected:Prices Starting At:

Our Value Promise To You

You won't find a better value.

Included
at no additional cost on this date ...
•5 nights of accommodations
•15 meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
•8 Expert-led lectures
•8 Field trips
•1 Hands-on experiences
•3 Performances
Click here to learn more

Ratings

4.9
Close [ x ]
 
Ratings are determined by participant evaluations.

Reviews

Back to Back Adventures

Choose a nearby learning adventure to add before or after this program:
Click here to see options

Support Lifelong Learning

Our educational adventures are made possible by donors like you

Please support lifelong learning here
We've got you covered Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan included in the price of our programs
Protect Your Program Investment Road Scholar Trip Cancellation, Interruption and Travel Delay Insurance
Registration & Policies
Click to learn more
Are you making your own travel arrangements? Click here
for important information
Don't miss a word
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology with listening devices on Road Scholar programs.

Need Help?

Call us toll free at 800-454-5768

Free Catalog | Refer a Friend | Gift Certificates | Press | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Careers | Contact Us

© Elderhostel, Inc. 2013
11 Avenue de Lafayette | Boston MA 02111 | Toll-Free 1-800-454-5768