Battle of Antietam - September 17, 2012

On 17-September-1862 more Americans died in battle than on any other day in our history.  The Battle of Antietam was the turning point of General Robert E Lee's invasion of Maryland.  About 23,000 men were killed on both sides.  Union General George McClellan wore out his welcome with Abraham Lincoln because of his refusal to commit more troops to the battle and to pursue the retreating Confederates.

Major General Fighting Joe Hooker commanded the Union I Corps and  was wounded.  Several generals on both sides were killed.  Major General Ambrose Burnside displayed some of his famous bad luck and poor planning at Burnside's Bridge.

Historians argue about whether or not this was a Union victory, but I say it was.  The Confederates were driven out of Maryland.  It was enough of a victory that Abraham Lincoln felt he could publish the Emancipation Proclamation. 

The photo of Confederate dead is from the Library of Congress, cwpb.01435.