In 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee, issued Special Orders # 191, which detailed his plans for a northern invasion. A copy of the orders were written and lost by the Confederates in the area of present day Monocacy National Battlefield and then later found by Union soldiers. Union General George B. McClellan exclaimed, “Here is a paper with which, if I can not whip Bobby Lee, I will be willing to go home.” On September 17th 1862, the two armies would clash along the banks of the Antietam Creek in the Battle of Antietam also known as “the bloodiest single day in American history.” These orders have evolved into one of histories greatest mysteries. The Orders will return for three months and be on display at the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center. This event is FREE!

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