After the Battle of Antietam, the battlefield was preserved as a national park, In 1890.

The Antietam National Battlefield was established to honor the soldiers who fought there and to protect the historic site. The preservation efforts aimed to maintain the landscape and memorialize the significant events of September 17, 1862. Today, the park includes monuments, walking trails, and interpretive centers that educate visitors about the battle and its impact on the Civil War. The commitment to preserving the battlefield reflects a broader effort to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made during one of the war's bloodiest encounters.