HARPERS FERRY TO ANTIETAM... THE BLOODIEST DAYS IN AMERICA'S HISTORY

Famous American Civil War - Battles and Events ^ | Sept 15, 2003 | National Park Service description of the Battle of Antietam

[carlo3b]

 

HARPERS FERRY TO ANTIETAM
THE BLOODIEST DAYS IN AMERICA'S HISTORY

September 15-18 1862

The beginning of the end...

The end of the dream..

The beginning of the beginning..

No matter from which side we reflect on these historic moments in our past, no one can deny the place this tragedy played in the shaping of our noble future!

The Battle of Antietam, known in the South as the Battle of Sharpsburg, was fought on Wednesday, September 17, 1862 near Antietam, Maryland, and was the first major battle of the American Civil War to take place on Northern soil.

The BATTLE OF ANTIETAM was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with over 20,000 soldiers killed or wounded. It was also the culmination of the three nightmarish days of battle, September 15, 16, 17 1862, that recorded 32,922 total American casualties..

SEPT. 15 1862.. The beginning.. Harpers Ferry
As the Commanding General for the Southern cause, learned that the Northern Army garrison at Harpers Ferry had not retreated after his incursion into Maryland, Gen. Robt E. Lee decided to surround the force and capture it. He divided his army into four columns, three of which converged upon and invested Harpers Ferry. The fighting raged for hours, balancing victory against defeat in the ever changing tides, the Confederate armies won.
On September 15, after Confederate artillery was placed on the heights overlooking the town, Union commander Col. Dixon S. Miles surrendered the garrison of more than 12,000. Miles was mortally wounded by a last salvo fired from a battery on Loudoun Heights.  Maj. Gen. Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson took possession of Harpers Ferry, then led most of his soldiers to join with Lee at Sharpsburg.
Total casualties 12,922, 12,000 surrendered.

SEPT. 16 1862... Morning Phase
When Jackson's troops reached Sharpsburg on September 16th, Harpers Ferry having surrendered the day before, Lee consolidated his position along the low ridge that runs north and south of the town stretching from the Potomac River on his left to the Antietam Creek on his right. "We will make our stand on these hills," Lee told his officers. General Robert E. Lee had placed cannon on Nicodemus Heights to his left, the high ground in front of Dunker Church, the ridge just east of Sharpsburg (site of the National Cemetery), and on the heights overlooking the Lower Bridge. Infantry filled in the lines between these points, including a sunken lane less than a half mile long with worm fencing along both sides (later known as Bloody Lane). A handful of Georgia sharpshooters guarded the Lower Bridge (Burnside Bridge).

By the evening of the 16th, Gen. George McClellan had about 60,000 troops ready to attack--double the number available to Lee. The battle opened at a damp, murky dawn on the 17th when Union artillery on the bluffs beyond Antietam Creek began a murderous fire on Jackson's lines near the Dunker Church.

Miller's Cornfield
As the Federals marched toward Miller's Cornfield north of town, the Confederates rose up in the cornfield and fired on the advancing lines. McClellan responded by withdrawing his infantry and training cannon on the corn. "In the time I am writing," Hooker reported, "every stalk of corn in the northern and greater part of the field was cut as closely as could have been done with a knife, and the slain lay in rows precisely as they had stood in their ranks a few moments before."

Hooker's troops advanced again, driving the Confederates before them, and Jackson reported that his men were "exposed for near an hour to a terrific storm of shell, canister, and musketry." About 7 a.m. Jackson was reinforced and succeeded in driving the Federals back.

An hour later Union troops under Gen. Joseph Mansfield counterattacked and regained some of the lost ground. Less than 200 yards apart, the opposing lines fired lead into each other for a half hour. "They stood and shot each other, until the lines melted away like wax," reported a New York soldier, Isaac Hall. Fighting continued back and forth over the 20-acre cornfield, with the field changing hands 15 times, according to some accounts.

Then, in an effort to turn the Confederate left flank, Gen. John Sedgwick's division of Gen. Edwin V. Sumner's corps advanced into the West Woods. There Confederate troops arriving from other parts of the field struck Sedgwick's flank, killing or wounding nearly half of his division--about 2,255 men--within a quarter hour of point-blank fire.

During the three hours of battle, the Confederates had stopped two Federal corps and a division from another, totaling about 20,000 men. Approximately 10,000 men from both sides lay dead or wounded.

SEPT. 16 1862.. The Midday Phase
Meanwhile, Gen. William H. French's division of Sumner's Union corps moved up to support Sedgwick but veered south into the center of the Confederate line, under Gen. D. H. Hill. The Confederates were posted along a ridge in an old sunken road separating the Roulette and Piper farms. The 800-yard-long road had been worn down over the years by heavy wagons taking grain to the nearby mill, making an ideal defensive trench for the Rebels.

At dawn some five brigades of D. H. Hill's troops guarded this lane. Soon three brigades had been pulled out to support Jackson in the East Woods, but they were beaten back by Union Gen. George Greene's attack on that position. By 9:30 a.m. the Confederates were stacking fence rails on the north side of the road to provide additional protection from the Union forces, advancing in parade like precision across the field.

Firing from behind these improvised breastworks and sheltered in the Sunken Road, the Rebels seemed unassailable. They repelled four different Union charges against the position. "For three hours and thirty minutes," one Union officer wrote, "the battle raged incessantly, without either party giving way."

The beginning of the end...
From 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., bitter fighting raged along this deeply cut lane (afterward known as Bloody Lane) as French, supported by Gen. Israel B. Richardson's division, also of Sumner's corps, sought to drive the Southerners back. By 1 p.m. about 5,600 killed and wounded troops from both sides lay along and in front of this 800-yard lane.

Finally, seeing a weak spot in the Confederate line, the 61st and 64th New York regiments penetrated the crest of the hill at the eastern end and began firing volley after volley full length down the sunken line. Then, misinterpreting an order, a Confederate officer pulled his regiment out of the road. The remaining defenders rapidly scrambled out of the lane, over the fence, and fled through the cornfields to the south, some not stopping until they had reached the outskirts of Sharpsburg itself. More than 300 Rebels threw down their arms and surrendered on the spot.

The end of the dream..
"Lee's army was ruined," one of Lee's officers wrote later. "And the end of the Confederacy was in sight." About 200 Rebel infantry attempted a weak counterattack, while Lee rushed 20 cannon to the Piper farm. An attack through this hole would have crushed the Confederate center, and the remaining divisions could be destroyed piecemeal. Fortunately for the South, however, McClellan decided against a counterattack with his fresh reserves. That fateful decision would allow the Confederacy to fight on for three more years.

Afternoon Phase
Southeast of town, Union Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside's corps of 12,000 men had been trying to cross a 12-foot-wide bridge over Antietam Creek since 9:30 a.m. About 450 Georgian sharpshooters took up positions behind trees and boulders on a steep wooded bluff some 100 feet high and overlooking the Lower Bridge. Greatly outnumbered, the Confederates drove back several Union advances toward the bridge.

Finally, at 1 p.m. the Federals crossed the 125-foot-long bridge (now known as Burnside Bridge) and, after a 2-hour delay to rest and replenish ammunition, continued their advance toward Sharpsburg.

By late afternoon about 8,000 Union troops had driven the Confederates back almost to Sharpsburg, threatening to cut off the line of retreat for Lee's army. By 3:30 p.m. many Rebels jammed the streets of Sharpsburg in retreat. The battle seemed lost to the Southern army.

Then at 3:40 p.m. Gen. A. P. Hill's division, left behind by Jackson at Harpers Ferry to salvage the captured Federal property, arrived on the field after a march of 17 miles in eight hours. Immediately Hill's 3,000 troops entered the fight, attacking the Federals' unprotected left flank. Burnside's troops were driven back to the heights near the bridge they had taken earlier. The attack across the Burnside Bridge and Hill's counterattack in the fields south of Antietam resulted in 3,470 casualties--with twice as many Union casualties (2,350) as Confederate (1,120).

Longstreet later wrote, "We were so badly crushed that at the close of the day ten thousand fresh troops could have come in and taken Lee's army and everything in it." But again McClellan held the 20,000 men of V Corps and VI Corps in reserve--and lost a second opportunity to defeat the entire Confederate army. By 5:30 p.m., the Battle of Antietam was over.

The next day Federal and Confederate leaders struck up an informal truce, so they could begin gathering up the wounded and dying. During the evening of the 18th Lee began withdrawing his army across the Potomac River.

September 17, 1862 Blood flowed like water
Antietam on September 17, 1862, was the bloodiest one-day battle of the Civil War. Federal losses were 12,410, Confederate losses 10,700. One in four men engaged in battle that day had fallen. Some historians believe that Lee's failure to carry the war effectively into the North caused Great Britain to postpone recognition of the Confederate government.

The beginning of the beginning..
After the battle of Antietam, in which Union troops turned back a Confederate invasion of Maryland, he issued a preliminary proclamation in September, 1962. The final proclamation was then issued in January of the following year.
Now the war had a dual purpose: to preserve the Union and to end slavery.

[varina davis]

Slave trade was a particular unsavory aspect of primarily the Southern states it did exist widely in the north as well.. but it was not the primary, or secondary cause of the split.

Carlo, you have this exactly right. No CSA flag ever flew atop a slave ship. The issue was correctly states rights and freedom from oppressive taxation. Plus a real fear by Southern states that their agrarian and religious freedom was in jeopary.

Anyone unfamiliar with the issues might read The South was Right by Donnie and James Kennedy. Or Southern by the Grace of God by Grissom. And there are many, many others. The Tragic Era is another comprehensive book written not so many years after The War for Southern Independence.

[Timmy]

September 17, 1862 was the bloodiest DAY in U.S. history. However, July 1-3, 1863 were the bloodiest DAYS in U.S. history.

[cyborg]

This may be of interest to you

[carlo3b]

The FReeper Foxhole will be covering the Battle of Antietam on the 17th. We found an interesting article that presents the battle in a different perspective.

Sam I will be watching for your view, as always.. You are my mirror into the heart of all of these battles.. Keep up your wonderful work.. Thanks for you kind words..

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the compliment carl3b.

We just find good stuff on the net and put it together for our readers.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for the compliment carlo3b.

We just find good stuff on the net and put it together for our readers.

[skeeter]

A relative, John Kirkpatrick of the 48th PVA, a farmer & carpenter, fought at Antietam & died on the 18th from wounds received on 9/16. Bump.

[Little Bill]

I know how you feel. In Lynn, Mass I discovered an archive in the old GAR hall, Loads of letters and diaries. Most people don't even know this place exists.

[x]

If one understands that the Civil War was not about freeing slaves (a depicable practice that should have been ended) as it was about states rights, it all becomes clearer.

Freeing the slaves wasn't an issue at the beginning of the war, but things wouldn't have reached the point of secession and war if it hadn't been for slavery and the debate over whether it was a good thing. That doesn't mean that everyone was fighting for or against slavery, but it does mean that if we leave slavery out of the picture we get further from what was actually going on.

[carlo3b]

All of a sudden, I couldn't smell the flowers anymore, but I could smell blood so strongly that it almost made me sick. I felt like I was going backwards through a tunnel. I've never had that experience at any other site, but Devil's Den still effects me.

The hair on the back of my neck just stood up.. I had the same experience at a small ghost town in Nevada.. We, my family and I on a trip across country on old route 66,  I saw a small sign with an arrow pointing down a lonely dirt road leading up to the foot of a mountain. We were looking down the edge of the cliffs as I slowly drove the single lane road. As we made a sharp winding turn the darkened town suddenly appeared. Dozens of buildings, most in total disrepair, but standing.. The kids and wife jumped as I gasped, making the situation a whole lot worse!

 I opened the window of my car to listen and watch if I had disturbed anything, as if there was anything left to disturb.. All was totally quiet and still. I got out alone, my 3 small daughters and my wife stayed behind, looking as if they had already seen a ghost.  As I walked down the middle of that street, the wind began to blow, the skeletons of those old shacks flanking me ..shadows long and now a hollowing hot incessant wind blew through the broken windows.

 I swear I could hear cries and moaning, and the smell went from dust to blood.. I knew there was death still in that town.. and confirmed that fact at a roadside cafe about 20 miles away.. The waitress told us how the town died 40 years before with a shoot out, and several deaths.. Been there, done that.. I know what you mean...GULP..  :|

[SAMWolf]

The Texas Brigade at Antietam

[carlo3b]

July 1-3, 1863 were the bloodiest DAYS in U.S. history.

Gettysburg
 
                      Wounded  Killed Missing
Union              14,529  3,155  5,365
Confederates   18,735  3,903  5,425

[carlo3b]

Anyone unfamiliar with the issues might read The South was Right by Donnie and James Kennedy. Or Southern by the Grace of God by Grissom. And there are many, many others. The Tragic Era is another comprehensive book written not so many years after The War for Southern Independence

Sounds like I will have some warm books to read on some cold nights.. Thank you so very much..

[carlo3b]

A relative, John Kirkpatrick of the 48th PVA, a farmer & carpenter, fought at Antietam & died on the 18th from wounds received on 9/16.

We seem to forget that those tragic casualties, in their great numbers are hinding the fact that these were each real people. Each had a home, and loved ones hoping and praying for their return.. Reading the letters and hearing people mention their kinship, bring the whole horrific story to life. Thanks for reminding us..

[carlo3b]

In Lynn, Mass I discovered an archive in the old GAR hall, Loads of letters and diaries. Most people don't even know this place exists.

Thanks Bill..I sometimes sit and read those books, and letters and feel as though I can hear the words not just read them.. If you haven't watched The CIVIL WAR series by Ken Burns, you have missed a real treat.. and BTW, Lynn Mass. well because of you..it's no secret anymore.. :)

[reg45]

Since the Siege of Vicksburg was going on at the same time, the daily casualty counts for July 1-3, 1863 will be even higher.

[SAMWolf]

Rebels never had a better chance

TERRY HEADLEE


The Confederacy was on a roll during the summer of 1862. Just a year after the outbreak of the Civil War, rebel troops had managed to make a presence along a 1,000-mile front stretching from Sharpsburg, Md., to Newtonia, Mo.

For the moment, it appeared the Confederates were on the verge of accomplishing their goal of becoming a separate nation, said James M. McPherson, a Pulitzer Prize-winining Civil War author.

From June 26 until Sept. 17, rebel armies won numerous key battles, driving Union troops from the Peninsula in Virginia and taking a smashing victory at the Battle of Second Manassas in August.

"Lee already gave the Union a one-two punch. He invaded the North in early September hoping to make it 'three and out,'" McPherson siad.

Then came Antietam.

Historians would later peg Antietam, and not Gettysburg as is widely believed, as the turning point of the Civil War.

By the time the cannon smoke cleared after nearly 12 hours of hellacious fighting, Confederate forces led by Gen. Robert E. Lee were in full retreat from Sharpsburg.

The battle ended Lee's high hopes for a major victory in his first invasion of the North.

And in the next three weeks, the Confederacy would suffer a chain of losses and retreats.

"Antietam changed the momenum for the Confederacy from being on a roll, to being in retreat," McPherson said.

Suddenly, Lee had failed to win Maryland, a border state, and the Confederacy was no longer seen as invincible.

That gave a much-needed boost to the morale of the Union soldiers.

Even worse for the Confederacy, Lincoln seized the moment to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves in Confederate states as of Jan. 1, 1863.

That's significant because it elevated the war to a higher level by converting it from a struggle over states' rights to the higher moral cause of slavery.

That practically ended the Confederates' quest for diplomatic recognition from Britain and France.

The two countries weren't anxious to get involved in a moral war.

Recognition could have turned the Civil War into a world war if the Union attempted to stop the two world powers from shipping supplies to the South.

"It almost certainly would have ended the blockade of the South," McPherson said. "That's why what happened at Antietam had world importance."

"Antietam was a crucial turning point. It was important for Maryland, nationally and internationally," said McPherson, a Princeton University professor whose 1988 book, "Battle Cry of Freedom," won the Pulitzer Prize.

No other Civil War battle can make that claim, he said.

Not even Gettysbug.

Historians say Gettysburg is often mistakenly considered the turning point of the Civil War.

It was fought over three days with more total casualties, about 50,000.

It also marked the Confederate's highest penetration of the North.

The battle was a victory for the Union. Lee was forced to retreat to Virginia and never again undertook a major offensive.

McPherson said even if Lee had won at Gettysburg, the Confederacy lost a significant battle at Vicksburg, Miss., the next day.

That Union victory gave federal troops vital control over the Mississippi River and doomed any hope for the Confederacy to win the war.

[carlo3b]

Since the Siege of Vicksburg was going on at the same time, the daily casualty counts for July 1-3, 1863 will be even higher...

With Vicksburg, it certainly looks like that would have tipped the balance..

[Constitution Day]

Thanks again, CD, for getting me involved with SCV. I got my truck tag with our logo on it too.

You're most welcome!
I have yet to get the NCSCV plate because I have the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" plate with a very low tag # and don't want to lose it.
I have thought of transferring it to my wife's car.

Hey, our camp is working on a field trip to either Pamplin Park in Petersburg or the Museum of the Confederacy; possibly both.
Do y'all ever do anything like that?

[azhenfud]

Sounds like it'd be a nice outing.
I wished several camps could join together in doing things like that.

We do have FT's, but Sept's meet was this past Sat where we conducted another marker decication with the cannon and riflemen. Oct's meet will be @ Tabor City's yam festival and Nov's we'll have a work/planning day. We had talked of visiting Fisher this spring, but haven't made any definites yet.

Of my GGG Grand's five kids, four were captured at Fisher in various states of health and cattled off to Lookout in '65. My GG Grand was wounded and disabled at 2nd Manassas and was out by '62.

My family (mom's side) is to have a reunion in Manassas Oct. 11 and I can hardly wait to get to the valley. Now that all the family research has tied those places into the sacrifices of my GG Grands, it makes them that much more hallowed grounds.

When is your camp planning to visit Virginia?