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Mountain, memorable as the spot where Lee received his first check during the invasion of Maryland, and which caused him gradually to fall back with his army until it rested on the waters of the Antietam, and made a final stand only to be again defeated. In the far distance also looms up, in their majestic prominence, the continuous chain of the so-called Maryland heights, rendered notorious as the rendezvous of John Brown prior to his raid on Harper's Ferry. But a short distance from the foot of the Cemetery grounds flow the placid waters of Antietam, which gave its name to the conflict here waged, and which will be rendered memorable forever in story and in song.
The plan forms within the walls of the Cemetery a semi-ellipsis, divided into segments of circles, sections and parallelograms of varying size, to correspond with the number of the loyal dead from the different States represented in the battle, and each division is designated by a letter, and each section of graves is numbered in order. That portion of the grounds devoted to this purpose begins at a point within about one hundred and thirty feet from the main entrance to the Cemetery, thus leaving a large open space between it and the wall, which extends along the line of the Sharpsburg and Boonsboro' pike in front. A main carriage drive, about 16 ½ feet in width, leads from the entrance through the grounds, from which branches in different directions subordinate roads and walks leading to every part of the Cemetery, which are macadamized and graveled.
The grounds are thoroughly drained by a system of tubing, very complete, and which will prove very valuable in maintaining them in good condition against injury arising from heavy rains.
Near the entrance to the Cemetery, and within the enclosure, has been erected a neat and commodious Lodge House, designed for the occupancy of the keeper of the grounds, and the comfort and convenience of visitors.
In the centre of the ground plan of the Cemetery is an open