Battle of Antietam
Washington County, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, U.S.
What happened
Union General George B. McClellan fought the Confederate army of General Robert E. Lee. After winning at Second Bull Run, Lee invaded Maryland to carry the war into the North. Union soldiers found a copy of Lee's battle orders wrapped around some cigars, showing that his army was split up, but McClellan was slow to act. Near Antietam Creek and the town of Sharpsburg, fighting raged all day in a cornfield, along a sunken road and at a stone bridge, until Confederate reinforcements arrived and Lee's army held on.
Why it matters
Result: Union victory. Leaders: George B. McClellan against Robert E. Lee. Why it matters: It remains the bloodiest day in American history. Lee's retreat gave Lincoln the victory he wanted before announcing the Emancipation Proclamation.
What came next
Five days later, on September 22, 1862, Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, and Britain and France held off recognising the Confederacy. McClellan was removed from command in November.
Did you know?
Union soldiers found a copy of Lee's orders wrapped around three cigars.
Timeline
- September 1862Lee invades Maryland.
- September 17, 1862The Battle of Antietam is fought.
- September 22, 1862Lincoln issues the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
- November 1862McClellan is relieved of command.