Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862
in American History
As the thundering of artillery and rifle gave way to darkness of night, 23,000 killed and wounded Union and Confederate soldiers covered the fields around Sharpsburg. This inconceivable total gives Antietam the tragic distinction of having the highest number of casualties for any one-day battle.
“The corn and the trees, so fresh and green in the morning, were reddened with blood and torn by bullet and shell, and the very earth was furrowed by the incessant impact of lead and iron.”
Ended Lee’s
First Northern Invasion
The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia entered Maryland on September 4, 1862. The two armies fought at South Mountain on the 14, at Antietam on the 17, and along the Potomac near Shepherdstown on September 19 and 20. The Battle of Shepherdstown was the final action in Lee’s Maryland Campaign as the Confederates returned to Virginia.
“I hope by a few days rest, if it is possible to give it, and the regular issue of rations, to restore the efficiency of the army for the work before it.”
Led to Lincoln’s
Emancipation Proclamation
The Confederate retreat provided President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to announce the Emancipation Proclamation. This was the first major step by the Federal Government to provide freedom to enslaved Americans.
“I made a solemn vow before God, that if General Lee was driven back . . . I would crown the result by the declaration of freedom to the slaves.”
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1864.
Location. 39° 27.672′ N, 77° 44.421′ W. Marker is in Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Shepherdstown Pike (Maryland Route 34), on the left when traveling north. The marker is located in the parking lot across the street from Antietam National Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1862 Antietam Campaign (here, next to this marker); Companies G. I. and K., 4th U.S. Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Jones' Battalion, Reserve Artillery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Reserve Artillery (about 400 feet away); Squires’ Battery, 1st Company Washington Artillery of New Orleans (about 500 feet away); Not For Themselves, But For Their Country (about 500 feet away); Antietam National Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Unknown Union Soldiers of the Irish Brigade (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharpsburg.
More about this marker. Three pictures appear on the marker. These include a photograph of a burial party of Union soldiers, an illustration of Union artillery firing across the Potomac, and a Proclamation lithograph published in 1888.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 981 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 14, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.