Early Beginnings: Before the formation of Sharpsburg as a town, the area was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes. European settlers, mostly of German and English descent, began to move to the region in the early 18th century. The settlement was founded in 1763 by a man named Joseph Chapline, who named it in honor of his friend Governor Horatio Sharpe. He laid out the town and sold lots to new settlers. By the late 18th century, Sharpsburg had grown into a small but prosperous community.

19th Century and Civil War Era The most defining moment in Sharpsburg's history occurred during the American Civil War. On September 17, 1862, the town and its surrounding areas became the stage for the Battle of Antietam, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg. This was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with about 23,000 casualties.

The battle was fought between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army of the Potomac, led by Major General George B. McClellan. The battle ended with no clear victor but halted Lee's invasion into the North. The aftermath of the battle significantly impacted the course of the Civil War. It gave President Abraham Lincoln the confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate-held territory.

The town itself suffered from the battle. Homes and farms were used as makeshift hospitals, and many buildings bore the scars of artillery and small arms fire.

Post-Civil War Era to Early 20th Century In the aftermath of the Civil War, Sharpsburg slowly rebuilt. Its proximity to the battlefield made it a focal point for remembrance and tourism. The Antietam National Battlefield was established in the late 19th century, preserving the land where the battle took place.

Sharpsburg, like many towns in the South, faced economic challenges after the war. However, the arrival of the railroad and the development of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal helped revitalize the local economy. The town began to diversify its industries, which included agriculture, milling, and manufacturing.

Late 20th Century to Present Throughout the 20th century, Sharpsburg continued to evolve while maintaining its historic character. It increasingly became a destination for those interested in Civil War history, with the Antietam National Battlefield drawing visitors from all over the world.

As the years passed, efforts to preserve the town's historical sites and structures intensified. Today, Sharpsburg is proud of its heritage, commemorating its past with various annual events, museums, and tours. The town remains a testament to the resilience of the American spirit, its ability to heal, and the importance of remembering history.