Antietam Sharpsburg Maryland
American Civil War
- September 16-18, 1862
Anteitam
battle field on the day of the battle September 16,1862.
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.)
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
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