Burnside's Bridge -- Antietam National Battlefield

Photographer's Comments -- 
I used to live in Maryland about an hour and a half drive from the Antietam battlefield in Sharpsburg, MD.  That convenience and having a National Parks Pass, I was able to go there several times a year to practice my photography.  There are several areas in the park that I would photograph regularly.  However, Burnside's Bridge was one of my favorite spots.  There are several angles and to choose from, and seasonal changes offer many variations from which to choose.  Some of my early images were taken with black and white film.  (At the time, I was taking a photograph course at the local community college.)  I have one of those images hanging on my wall in my Living Room.  (At some point, I may scan the medium format negative and see if it is worth making it available on Etsy.)

This particular image was taken late summer (i.e., September 2023).  There were several other tourists, and I had to wait a few minutes to ensure no one was in the frame.  (I also had to hurry because I knew a new bus load of tourists would be coming along.)  The image itself consists of a total of 6 images that I stitched together.  I like to stitch photos together because it allows for very large final images with a high level of detail.  That is why I feel comfortable offering the 42" x 70" image.

Incidentally, Burnside's Bridge is also known as (and originally known as) Lower Bridge and is one of several bridges constructed over Antietam Creek for farmers to take their produce into Sharpsburg, Maryland.  It was completed in 1836 by some of the local farmers.  It played a critical role in the Civil War Battle of Antietam in September 1862.

On a more personal note, while researching my ancestry, I learned that in the battle that preceded the battle at Antietam by 2 days (i.e., Battle of South Mountain) the son of my 3G Grandfather's brother died fighting for the Union Army.  His name was Daniel Tompkins and was only 22 years old.  I often wondered why I was drawn to that area.?.?