Antietam
Other Names: Sharpsburg
Location: Washington County
Campaign: Maryland Campaign (September 1862)
Date(s): September
16-18, 1862
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan
[US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Armies
Estimated Casualties: 23,100 total
Description: On September 16, Maj. Gen. George
B. McClellan confronted Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Sharpsburg, Maryland. At dawn September 17, Hooker’s
corps mounted a powerful assault on Lee’s left flank that began the single
bloodiest day in American military history. Attacks and counterattacks swept
across Miller’s cornfield and fighting swirled around the Dunker Church. Union assaults against the Sunken Road eventually pierced the
Confederate center, but the Federal advantage was not followed up. Late in the
day, Burnside’s corps finally got into action, crossing the stone bridge over
Antietam Creek and rolling up the Confederate right. At a crucial moment, A.P.
Hill’s division arrived from Harpers Ferry and counterattacked, driving back Burnside and
saving the day. Although outnumbered two-to-one, Lee committed his entire
force, while McClellan sent in less than three-quarters of his army, enabling
Lee to fight the Federals to a standstill. During the night, both armies
consolidated their lines. In spite of crippling casualties, Lee continued to
skirmish with McClellan throughout the 18th, while removing his wounded south
of the river. McClellan did not renew the assaults. After dark, Lee ordered the
battered Army of Northern Virginia to withdraw across the Potomac into the Shenandoah Valley.
Result(s): Inconclusive (Union strategic
victory.)
CWSAC Reference #: MD003
Preservation Priority: I.2 (Class A)
National Park Unit: Antietam
NB