County Commissioners to Consider Funding for Preservation of Historic “War Wounds” House in Sharpsburg

Cover Photo: Historic “War Wounds” House, photo included in proposal to Washington County Commissioners agenda.

SHARPSBURG, MD News (7/21/2023) – In an upcoming county commissioner meeting scheduled for July 25, 2023, the commissioners will be presented with a crucial agenda item that could have significant implications for the preservation of local history and the growth of tourism in the region. The proposal under discussion is a request for Hotel Rental Tax funding to aid in the restoration and preservation of the historic Boyer House, also known as the War Wounds House, in the Town of Sharpsburg.

The presentation will be made by Susan Buchanan, the Director of the Office of Grant Management, along with key stakeholders such as Russ Weaver, Mayor of the Town of Sharpsburg; Jacob Martz, Vice Mayor of the Town of Sharpsburg; Dennis Frye, Co-Founder and Vice President of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation; and Dan Spedden, representing the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. Vice Mayor Jacob Martz was kind enough to share some of his thoughts with Radio Free Hub City ahead of the presentation.

“The house is a unique historical treasure that has the potential to become one of the most significant Civil War era structures in Washington county,” said Vice Mayor Martz, “The structure has remained virtually unchanged since its construction in about 1830, and has already produced a wealth of information in terms of artifacts, documents and other records, some dating as far back as the late 18th century, that has more than tripled our town’s archives, and helped to foster a greater understanding of Sharpsburg’s unique history.”

The Boyer House holds immense historical significance as it suffered damage during the Civil War battle that took place within the Town of Sharpsburg. With the aim of preserving this piece of history and leveraging it for tourism, the Town of Sharpsburg is seeking financial support to purchase, restore, and promote the Boyer House as a future tourist destination.

The requested amount for funding is $99,000, and the total project cost is estimated to be $154,000. To make the project a reality, various entities are coming together to contribute to the initiative. The Town of Sharpsburg has committed $15,000, while the Save Historic Antietam Foundation is also contributing $15,000. The County’s Surplus Funding Grant is chipping in with $20,000, which was previously awarded to the Save Historic Antietam Foundation, facilitating the sale of the Boyer House at a reduced cost to the Town.

Should the county commissioners approve this expenditure, the Hotel Rental Tax Fund balance will be reduced by $99,000. As of now, the fund holds a balance of $255,149, and the allocation towards the Boyer House preservation would be a significant step in utilizing the tax revenue for historical conservation and bolstering local tourism.

The benefits of approving this funding request are numerous and multifaceted. The preservation of the Boyer House will safeguard a unique piece of the region’s history that was directly impacted by the Civil War. By creating a new tourist destination, the Town of Sharpsburg and the surrounding communities stand to attract history enthusiasts and visitors from all over. As tourists flock to explore the historical significance of the Boyer House, local businesses are likely to experience an economic boost, fostering growth and prosperity in the area.

According to Martz, “Not only is the house a rich source of information and history, and an excellent example of period architecture and design, it also serves as a tangible link to the Battle of Antietam, and has great potential as a cultural resource and teaching tool to help further our understanding of the hardships and depredations experienced by the citizens of Sharpsburg during one of the most exigent time periods in our town’s history.”

Additionally, investing in historical preservation can have broader cultural and educational benefits. By providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about the past, the project contributes to the preservation of the collective memory of the community and fosters a sense of pride in the region’s heritage.

“We often say the phrase ‘if these walls could talk’ when we enter an old building, and while the walls of this house may not have a voice, they nonetheless speak volumes about our history,” said Martz.

The decision made by the county commissioners could have a lasting impact on the community and pave the way for further projects that celebrate and protect the rich history of the region.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors. Many thanks to Sharpsburg Vice Mayor Jacob Martz for his significant feedback regarding this story.