Antietam National Cemetery, Rostrum, Shepherdstown Pike (State Route 34), Sharpsburg, Washington County, MD

Significance: Located within the gates of Antietam National Cemetery, this red brick rostrum functioned as a site of ceremony, commemoration, and remembrance for the Union soldiers buried on the grounds. Developed shortly after the Civil War, the national cemetery sought to provide an appropriate final resting place for those Union soldiers who gave their lives during the war. The rostrum served as a raised stage for public speakers who addressed gathered crowds on special events such as Decoration Day. The design comes from a standard plan developed by Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs for the national cemetery system.

Survey number: HABS MD-936-D
Building/structure dates: 1879 Initial Construction