Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
1862 Antietam Campaign
Lee Invades Maryland
Fresh from victory at the Second Battle of Manassas, Gen. Robert E. Lees Army of Northern Virginia crossed the Potomac River on September 4-6, 1862, to bring the Civil War to Northern soil and to recruit sympathetic Marylanders. Union Gen. George B. McClellans Army of the Potomac pursued Lee, who had detached Gen. Thomas J. Stonewall Jacksons force to capture the Union garrison at Harpers Ferry. After the Federals pushed the remaining Confederates out of the South Mountain gaps, Lee awaited Jackson's return near Sharpsburg and Antietam Creek.
On September 17, at the Battle of Antietam, the two armies clashed in the bloodiest single day in American history and suffered some 23,000 casualties. Lee soon retreated across the Potomac, ending his first invasion of the north.
Follow in the footsteps of Gens. Lee and McClellan along Maryland Civil War Trails Antietam Campaign: Lee Invades Maryland, a 90 mile tour route that allows you to explore the stories of triumph and tragedy at more than 60 Civil War sites. Please travel carefully as you enjoy the beauty and history along the trail.
Erected by Maryland Civil War
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1862.
Location. 39° 26.933′ N, 77° 46.282′ W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Shepherdstown Pike (Maryland Route 34). Located in a parking area to the east of the road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Grove Farm (here, next to this marker); Battle of Antietam (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Antietam Station
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 11, 2020
2. 1862 Antietam Campaign Marker
This is a prior iteration of the marker. While there are slight differences in formatting, the inscription is otherwise identical.
Other markers no longer nearby. Grove Farm (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Antietam Station (was approx. Ό mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This is an example of the standard marker used for Civil War Trails - Antietam Campaign sites, and is duplicated in several locations in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The marker features portraits of Gens. Robert E. Lee and George B. McClellan. Newspaper drawing depict Union troops storming Cramptons Gap and Confederate forces crossing the Potomac. A map indicates important sites related to the Antietam Campaign.
Regarding 1862 Antietam Campaign. Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Markers related to the 1862 Antietam Campaign in Washington Co, Maryland, outside the Antietam Battlefield.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 11, 2020
4. 1862 Antietam Campaign Marker
This is the prior iteration of the marker in context.
Photographed by Craig Swain, December 30, 2006
5. Burnside Bridge
One of many famous landmarks on the Antietam Battlefield. At this bridge Federal Gen. Ambrose Burnside's Corps were delayed by a Confederate regiment guarding the bridge from the high ground on the west bank of Antietam Creek.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,985 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on October 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on April 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on October 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 5. submitted on August 3, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
