Sharpsburg, Maryland, USA, Nationaler Friedhof von Antietam, 1866-2005

This database contains digital images of all gravestones in Antietam National Cemetery, located in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Antietam National Cemetery was established in 1866, and this collection includes burials through 2005 for more than 3,100 people. Information on the markers varies. Some may contain only a number of initials; others may include facts such as name, birth date, death date, age, rank, and state of origin.

Historical Background

The United States created the first National Cemeteries for its soldiers during the Civil War. These cemeteries filled two needs: one was a desire to honor the sacrifice made by Union dead with a dignified and proper burial place; the other was dealing with the unprecedented (and unexpected) loss of life during the Civil War.

The first 14 National Cemeteries were established in 1862, with more to follow. Many of the early cemeteries were located on or near battlefields, hospitals, POW camps, and other sites where large numbers of men had died and, out of necessity, already been buried. Others were established at post cemeteries and National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.

While initially National Cemeteries were only for Union dead, eligibility was expanded over time. Still, it wasn't until 1901 that a Confederate section was established in Arlington and 264 former Confederate soldiers were reinterred there. Today, more than 3 million Americans have been laid to rest in U.S. national cemeteries.