It is one of the thirteen state heritage areas administered by the Maryland Historical Trust.
[1] This area includes the Antietam National Battlefield and several other important American Civil War sites in Maryland.
Parts of Maryland's Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties are included in the Heritage Area.
As a border state, many Maryland residents (particularly those in the Baltimore area, planned to join the Confederacy.
This legislative body was dominated by pro-secession delegates, and as talk of secession increased throughout the summer, many delegates were eventually arrested on orders from the pro-Union governor of Maryland to prevent the Assembly from voting.The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Exhibit and Visitor Center is located in Sharpsburg, Maryland in the Newcomer House at Antietam National Battlefield.