The Piper Orchard

Union soldiers attack toward the Piper Orchard on the afternoon of the battle.  Capt. James Hope painted this scene years after the battle.

NPS Antietam

 

Orchards were very important to rural families and their communities. Orchards could provide fruit, vinegar, cider, preserves, and even wine. These agricultural products would help the family through the winter, or they could bring in extra income if they commercialized their fruit. Apples were commonly grown, such as on the Mumma and Piper farms, but cherries, peaches, pears, and other fruit were also grown. Most farms at Antietam, such as Poffenberger, Miller, Otto and Roulette are known to have orchards.

Special consideration was given to restore the orchard at the Piper farm. Much more is known about this orchard as it was larger, and Piper was one of the first farms in Sharpsburg to have a commercial orchard. The Piper orchard is also recalled by soldiers for the fruit and the fighting that occurred there. Major Thomas Hyde of the 7th Maine noted “how the twigs and branches of the apple trees were being cut off by musket balls and were dropping in a shower” at the orchard where Confederate and Union soldiers clashed. The Piper orchard is important to the cultural landscape because it helps the interpretation of the battle for the public.

Today, the orchard can be seen South of Bloody Lane and North of the Piper house. New and antique varieties of apples are harvested every year. The National Park Service is currently working with a cooperator to take care of the orchard and make it all organic. The orchard needs care year-round just like it would have back in 1862. Pruning and pest protection is done every year to keep the orchard healthy. In the future, the National Park Service plans to have honeybee hives in the orchard to promote pollination and a good harvest. The care for the orchard helps maintain its historic character and the landscape at Antietam National Battlefield.