The Ward House, Bloody Lane: [Historic Structures Report], Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg, Maryland

Reed, Douglass

This report describes the investigation of a log building along Bloody Lane on the Antietam National Battlefield, referred to here as the Ward House. Although it focuses on the Ward House structure, it notes that it must be considered as a small piece within the broader history of the battlefield and the surrounding region. The sunken road that came to be known as the Bloody Lane, about one mile northeast of Sharpsburg, Maryland, was the central position of Confederate defenses during the battle of September 17, 1862. This would mark the day of the most casualties during the Civil War. In addition to the destruction of lives, the battle significantly impacted the topography, crops, woods, and built environment. The subject of the report is a house on the north side of the Bloody Lane. Although descendants of a former owner report that at least part of the structure was there during the battle, the National Park Service believed it was added to the site after the battle. At the time of the report, the house was in poor condition and the National Park Service wished to remove it. This report follows the examination of the structure, documentary research, and determination of significance of the house relative to the battle that were conducted to clarify the structure's history and to guide the park's decision on its disposition. There is no evidence to suggest that the house stood prior to 1873. It is likely that a structure in that position would have been damaged by the battle events. Additionally, no diary, map, journal, or military report makes note of the house. According to the report, all the evidence indicates that James Ward purchased an unimproved piece of ground from Samuel Mumma in 1873 and built the house in the summer of that year. This can be seen by examining James Ward's financial background and the construction of the house. After an examination of documentary and physical evidence, the report concludes that no house or structure existed on the site of the Ward House prior to 1873. The documented house and foundation have no significance to the Battle of Antietam. Because there are other examples of similarly built houses in the area and this structure impacts the interpretation of the Bloody Lane, the report advises that the park should be allowed to remove the building. It is also recommended that detailed drawings be made of the building's architecture and construction. The report was prepared for Antietam National Battlefield Superintendent Virgil Leimer.

The Ward House, Bloody Lane: [Historic Structures Report], Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg, Maryland

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