Today in History: Battle of Antietam
Today in History–September 17–the Library of Congress features Battle of Antietam, fought on this day in 1862. The bloodiest battle in the Civil War—more than 23,000 killed, wounded or missing in action–was fought in the hills of Sharpsburg, Maryland. Although the Confederates occupied the town of Sharpsburg at nightfall, the battle was a Union victory. Find out more about Union General George B. McClellan‘s victory over Confederate General Robert E. Lee by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to uncover more primary source resources.
The Battle of Antietam from America’s Library
Walt Whitman’s description of the fight for the bridge at Antietam 1862
Antietam items from The Civil War in America online exhibition
Battle of Antietam 1862 historical newspaper coverage
The Battle of Antietam Creek (song recording)
Battle of Antietam National Park Service informational map
Battle of Antietam National Park Service
Battle of Antietam History.com
Antietam: “The Most Terrible Battle of the Age” Worlds Revealed: Geography & Maps at The Library Of Congress
Learning from the Source: Primary Source Perspectives of the Civil War
More Civil War teaching resources & primary source collections