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Md. Battlefield Gains National Historic Status

BOONSBORO, Md. (AP) -- The South Mountain Civil War battlefield near Boonsboro is taking its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

The listing was announced Tuesday by the state Department of Natural Resources, which manages the battlefield.

The agency says the listing is huge step toward preserving the battlefield on the mountain ridge that defines the
Frederick-Washington county line.

Private landowners in designated areas will be encouraged, but not required, to keep their properties looking they way they did in September 1862. They may also qualify for maintenance grants or tax credits.

At least 4,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or declared missing in action on South Mountain on Sept. 14, 1862.

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

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