Final Study Documents

Dear Interested Party,

The National Park Service has determined that the Shepherdstown Battlefield does not meet National Park Service criteria for a new stand-alone park, but that a 510-acre area in the center of the battlefield would be a suitable addition to Antietam National Battlefield because of the close historical and geographical connection between the two battles. The Department of the Interior has transmitted the study recommendation and findings to Congress for its consideration. It is up to Congress to decide whether to adjust the boundary of Antietam National Battlefield to include the Shepherdstown Battlefield.

This recommendation is part of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Shepherdstown Battlefield Special Resource Study and Environmental Assessment which is available for download below. The study document, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and a summary of public comments received during public review of the study are also included below for reference.

The purpose of the congressionally-authorized study was to evaluate the national significance of Shepherdstown Battlefield and whether it is suitable to be included in the national park system, either as a new stand-alone park or as an addition to Antietam National Battlefield or Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

If a boundary adjustment is authorized, the National Park Service would work with willing sellers or donors within the legislated boundary to acquire land or conservation easements but would not take actions under eminent domain or similar laws.

During the Civil War, the battle at Shepherdstown was the final engagement of the Maryland Campaign, which included the battles of Harpers Ferry, South Mountain and Antietam. The Battle of Shepherdstown, also known as the Battle of Boteler's Ford, was fought on September 19 and 20, 1862, two days after the battle of Antietam, and resulted in more than 600 casualties.

Document Content:

SHBA_SRS_Final.pdf   (5.6 MB, PDF file) SHBA_FONSI.pdf   (4.3 MB, PDF file) SHBA_FAQ.pdf   (38.0 KB, PDF file) SHBA_Comment Summary Report.pdf   (1.6 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.