We are sure that everyone has noticed that construction has begun on the historical park. Prior to 2020 by simple happenstance Mayor Spielman and I learned that the BP gas station lots at the corner of Main and Church Street would be available at a reduced rate for a public use. The Town purchased them and proceeded on a thorough process to define and design an historical interpretive park. The process included visitor experience analysis, concept design, detail design and bid. At all phases many local residents and experts on park planning were involved. The project was reviewed and approved by our local council, county commissioners, County Park and Recreation Commission, Heart of Civil War Heritage Area, State Delegation and State Public Service Commission. Updates were provided throughout the process via several different avenues. As a reminder we would like to repeat our justification for the project.

The historical park will enhance the visual appeal of our community, making a neighborhood more attractive to residents and visitors alike; essentially contributing to a more livable and vibrant community.  This historic park is highly valuable for community development as it provides enhanced quality of life for all residents allowing people to be physically active and socially engaged as part of their daily routine helping improve their physical and mental health. The park will provide a place for people to gather, meet, and interact with each other, fostering a stronger sense of community. Creating a network of connected historical places such as the Big Spring, Tolson Chapel, Mount Calvary Lutheran Cemetery and the Town Square will encourage movement and access throughout the community. The historical park will provide opportunities for educating the public about the unique history of Sharpsburg. As you can see the development of the historical park is a highly valuable project providing a range of benefits.

In 1763, Joseph Chapline laid out what was to be the first town in Washington County, Sharps Burgh, (today known as Sharpsburg).

On September 17, 1862, The Battle of Antietam (also known as the bloodiest day of the Civil War), brought devastation, heartache and 23,110 soldiers left dead, wounded, or missing.  The sense of community shared by the people of Sharpsburg provided the strength to overcome the devastation and to rebuild the town.

Presently the town looks very much as it did in the 1800s.  Modern day conveniences have been added, but have been carefully planned out so as not to interfere with the historical nature of the town.

Sharpsburg is nestled beside the Antietam Battlefield, with various attractions, such as the C&O Canal, Harper’s Ferry, Washington Monument State Park, South Mountain, Crystal Grottoes Caverns, and many others just a short drive away.