"A Perfect Homespun Waterloo": The 160th Maryland Campaign

Over the weekend of 16-18 September 2022, over 400 living historians from across the country converged on a historic farm near Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, the single bloodiest day of the American Civil War, they recreated the actions at Snavley's Ford and Otto's Cornfield.

On 17 September 2022, 160 years to the day, men recreating the 4th Rhode Island Infantry crossed the actual Antietam Creek. Their crossing forced the 50th Georgia Infantry, stretched desperately thin in a skirmish line, back from their position above the creek.

Film still courtesy of HistoryFix
Film still courtesy of HistoryFix

That afternoon, men representing the 12th South Carolina pressed into a hand-planted field of corn interspersed with pumpkins, checking the advance of the 12th Ohio. In doing so, they honored the enduring resolve of those whose actions inspired this event.

Film still courtesy of HistoryFix
Film still courtesy of HistoryFix

Many thanks to all who came together and made this inaugural Homespun Historical Ventures event possible!

To see a short documentary covering the engagements recreated at this event, check out HistoryFix!