The Battle of Antietam was fought on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland. It remains the bloodiest single day in American history, with about 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing.
General Robert E. Lee’s first invasion of the North ended when his army withdrew to Virginia.
Turning Point
The outcome gave President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation five days later.
Visit
Antietam National Battlefield preserves the Cornfield, the Sunken Road, and Burnside Bridge.
Explore More
Ohio is full of Civil War history. Visit the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, the Sherman House Museum in Lancaster, Grant’s birthplace in Point Pleasant, and Morgan’s Raid markers across southern and eastern Ohio. County historical societies often hold letters, photos, and flags from local regiments, so check with yours too.
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