The bloodiest single day throughout the whole war. What was intended by McClellan to be a coordinated attack by his superior forces against both of Lee's flanks at once degenerated into a piecemeal assault along the line which Lee was able to hold. Early in the morning Hooker, Sumner and Mansefield attacked Jackson on Lee's left flank towards the Dunker church. Stff resistance and artillery held the line for Jackson but near the centre, many of his veterans in a strong position in a sunken road died when they were flanked. It became known as the Bloody Lane.

In the afternoon Burnside finally attacked Lee's right flank across a stone bridge over the Antietam Creek. Although the creek was fordable, he lost many men taking the bridge and just as he was making progress against Longstreet's right, all confederate reserves being commited, A.P.Hill arrived from Harpers Ferry smashing into Burnsides flank. Burnside withdrew, and night fell.

The following day McClellan refused to renew the attack, and Lee recrossed the Potomac into Virginia.

Around the town of Sharpsburg and Antietam Creek, Maryland, USA

American Union Forces

Number engaged :

75,000

Casualties :

12,469 (16.63%)

American Confederate Forces

Number engaged :

51,000

Casualties :

13,964 (27.38%)