New Jersey – Antietam Institute

“Nothing to the right!”: The plight of the 13th New Jersey – Marty Pritchett

The 13th New Jersey Infantry saw its “baptism of fire” at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, arriving only days after mustering in, and suffered heavy casualties, including the death of Captain Hugh C. Irish. Becoming one of the bloodiest engagements for the unit, the 13th New Jersey would place three monuments at Antietam marking its positions near the Cornfield and Dunker Church, as documented by Colonel Ezra A. Carman. Join us on June 6, as Institute historian Marty Pritchett follows the footsteps of the 13th New Jersey Volunteers and shares the stories.

Martin Pritchett was born in southern Kansas and is a member of the Oklahoma Shawnee tribe. He grew up in a military family that took him from the Midwest to Europe. He is a veteran of 23 years in the United States Coast Guard and Texas General Land Office, specializing in coastal search and rescue, environmental protection response, and maritime port safety. After seven years as an Antietam Battlefield Ambassador, Martin became a Certified Antietam Battlefield Guide.

This two-hour hike covers approximately 1 ½ miles, across moderate terrain and park trails. All excursions will run from 9:30 to 11:30 am and start at the Visitor Center overflow parking area. The “Following in the Footsteps” hikes are for current members only, and advance registration is required (login before registering), but there is no fee to attend. Members are required to purchase the park entrance pass at the Visitor Center.

REGISTRATION

Discovering my Antietam roots: William Campbell, 34th New York and Bennett Livingston, 13th New Jersey

Join us on September 5 as Institute member Cindy Cohrs-Brandt explores the battlefield experiences of two Union regiments at Antietam: the veteran 34th New York and the newly raised 13th New Jersey. Shaped by prior combat in the Peninsular Campaign, the 34th New York entered the battle as seasoned soldiers, while the 13th New Jersey faced its first engagement only weeks after mustering in. Each regiment confronted its own distinct challenges on the field at Antietam. Cindy’s ancestor presentation is called, Discovering my Antietam roots: William Campbell, 34th New York and Bennett Livingston, 13th New Jersey.

A native of New Jersey, Cindy’s interest in the Civil War began in childhood when she walked Pickett’s Charge with her father. That experience left a lasting impression and sparked a fascination that grew into a lifelong passion for Civil War history.

Cindy holds a BA in American History from Drew University, a Master’s in Library Science from Emory University, and a Master’s in Teaching from Montclair State University. After working as a corporate librarian, she now serves as a school librarian, where she enjoys sharing her love of history and research with her students.

Through her interest in genealogy, Cindy discovered two Civil War ancestors—one from each side of her family—deepening her personal connection to the conflict. Antietam is her favorite battlefield, where both ancestors fought in close proximity, and visiting all the battlefields where they served remains a lifelong goal.

Cindy and her husband, Wayne Brandt, visited the New Jersey state archives, and they were fortunate enough to view the battle flag of the 13th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

These monthly “Ancestors at Antietam” talks are free and open to the public – anyone may attend – and you do not need to register. The talks will be held at the Institute’s Education Center at 101W Main Street, Sharpsburg, beginning at 2 pm.