History: The American Civil War: Antietam (Battle of Sharpsburg)

Artwork by Thure de Thulstrup

The Battle of Antietam (Battle of Sharpsburg), the bloodiest day in the Civil War, began and concluded on September 17, 1862, tactically considered a draw it is a strategic victory for the Union as it ended General Lee's first invasion into Union territory. In addition, it boosted Union morale while also dissuading the French and British governments from recognizing the Confederacy as an independent nation.  The battle began when the Army of Northern Virginia moved to secure the heights around Antietam Creek that only had three stone bridges that could be used to cross the creek. General McClellan hoping to force a decisive engagement moved him army to attack the confederates. The confederates were pushed back, but McClellan did not commit his entire force, instead only 1/3rd of his 87,000 man army saw action. Once Lee's army had retreated McClellan failed to pursue which ultimately led to President Lincoln removing McClellan from Command. The total forces engaged for this battle was 132,000 with 87,000 Union and 45,000 Confederate soldiers. The total casualties for this fight was 22,717 with 12,401 Union casualties and 10,316 Confederate casualties.