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Md. Seeks To Buy 14 Acres Near Civil War Site

MIDDLETOWN, Md. (AP) -- A Department of Natural Resources official says the state of Maryland is seeking to buy some land near the South Mountain Civil War battlefield.

John Braskey told The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown newspaper on Tuesday that the two parcels near Middletown total 14.6 acres. One is a 9.1-acre parcel atop South Mountain that saw action during the battle. The smaller piece has scenic value.

The land belongs to the Central Maryland Heritage League. The group says the state has offered a fair price of about $55,600. The deal would require approval by the state Board of Public Works.

South Mountain is Maryland's only state-run Civil War battlefield. Federal and Confederate forces clashed there on Sept. 14, 1862, three days before the Battle of Antietam.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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