Sharpburg's Architecture and Prominent Residents

Sharpburg's Architecture and Prominent Residents. . , The town of Sharpsburg contains a number of unique buildings, some of which date from the late 18th century. The architectural styles include Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Colonial Revival. along with Georgian inspired stone structures and Federal-style brick homes. Several houses are listed in National Register of Historic Places and many others, marked by historic plaques or visible artillery damages, existed during the Civil War., The town’s churches suffered substantial damages during and after the Battle of Antietam. Congregations made the difficult choice to raze and rebuild the Lutheran Church and St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church but managed to restore the German Reformed Church., Among Sharpburg's prominent residents, Jacob "Squire" Miller (1782-1875) lived on the lot where you are standing. From his home, demolished in 1957, Miller managed a weaving business along with several farms and mills. He was also politically active, serving as esquire, judge of elections, county commissioner, and state legislator. His Southern sympathies during the war incurred the wrath of local Unionists, who drove him from the polls and burned his barn., Dr. Augustin A. Biggs (1812-1889) worked as Sharpsburg's physician for 50 years and also served as the first president of the Antietam National Cemetery Board. His son Charles drew the plans for the cemetery. During Antietam's aftermath, Dr. Biggs worked for weeks treating wounded soldiers and disease-infected civilians. Artillery damages from the battle are still visible on the exterior of Bigg's Main Street house., Dr. Walter Hal Shealy (1897-1966) served in the Marine Corps during World War I. Following his war service, he attended medical school and became a general practitioner in the Sharpsburg area, where he treated patients for 38 years. Dr. Shealy also dedicated his time to a number of service and professional organizations., Oliver Thomas Reilly (1857-1944) was a young eyewitness to the Battle of Antietam. He became a battlefield guide at age fifteen and and during his decades-long career led many high-ranking Federal and Confederate veterans across the battleground. He later sold candy, antiques, and Civil War relics from his stone home near the public square.