ANTI_FY_24_Preserve_IN_and_MD_State_Monuments__MD_State_Monument_Information_Sheet.docx

Data for Maryland State Monument Rehabilitation Project.

The Maryland state Monument is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of old Hagerstown Pike and the Smoketown Road on the Antietam National Battlefield. It is a 35-foot, octagonal granite arcade structure surmounted by a copper dome and allegorical robed female. It is surrounded on four of its eight sides with bronze plaques highlighting the deeds of various Maryland state units engaged at the September 1862 battle. The monument was commissioned, designed and finely erected on an outcropping 100 yards east of the Dunker Church. It was dedicated on Decoration Day, May 30th, 1909, and was designed to pay homage to Marylanders, both North and South, that served and sacrificed at the battle of Antietam.

The monument underwent a major rehabilitation in 2005. At that time the copper dome, patriotic ornaments and figure were removed, cleaned & finished. The mortar joints were repaired, and granite cleaned. The bronze features of the monument were also waxed at that time though not removed.

Upon inspection in 2024, the conditions noted are substantial mortar joint loss, and finish degradation of the protective coating on the copper features of the monument. Also noted are age and water staining and spalling most notably on the interior of the dome surface. This water damage was the catalyst of the 2005 rehab. There is light surface dirt and staining due to normal visitation and foot traffic.

Modern view of the Maryland State monument.

The view above clearly shows the age staining, spalling and joint loss found on the interior of the monument. Also noticeable is the oxidation of the copper dome surface. View taken 02/21/24.

View showing joint loss at the north step entrance. The condition is similar on the other three step entranceways. 02/21/24 View showing joint loss including that between brick and granite surfaces. 02/21/24

Degraded condition of much of the joint work throughout the structure. 02/21/24 The interior base, looking from the east enteranceway toward the southwest. This shows the long joints between the large platform stones. These have lost all joint morter over time. 02/21/24

View showing the weathering and joint loss along the front and bottom edge of the cornice. This is the condition all around this feature. Also, the condition of the copper ornaments is clear in this image. 02/21/24

Evidence of Joint above the cornice. Moisture from recent rain enhances the age staining. 02/22/24 Prepared by KC Kirkman. Exhibit Specialist, Resource Management Division. O2/23/2024 image5.jpeg image6.jpeg image7.jpeg image8.jpeg image1.jpeg image2.jpeg image3.jpeg image4.jpeg