The Bloody Lane of Antietam

The bloodiest moment of America's bloodiest battle, up close and personal

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest day in American history. 23,000 casualties were suffered on both sides in one afternoon of brutal back-and-forth fighting. Technically, the battle was a draw, but because General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army was forced to withdraw, the Union could claim a victory. It was the first major victory of the Civil W…