The Battle of Antietam

The Battle of Antietam, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, took place on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, during the American Civil War. It was the first major battle to take place on northern soil and is considered one of the bloodiest single-day battles in American history. The Union Army, led by General George B. McClellan, clashed with the Confederate Army, commanded by General Robert E. Lee. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with over 22,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. Despite the high human cost, the Battle of Antietam is considered a strategic victory for the Union, as it halted Lee's invasion of the North and provided a morale boost for the Union troops.

For more information on the Battle and the Battlefield go to our links page and visit the National Park Service's web page here.