Who won the battle of antietam in the civil war?

Who Won the Battle of Antietam in the Civil War?

The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, was the largest and bloodiest single-day battle in American history during the American Civil War. The battle took place around Sharpsburg, Maryland, and was a decisive showdown between the Union and Confederacy armies. Though the battle ended in stalemate, with no significant gains made by either side, the Confederacy viewed the battle as a major defeat, as it would never again attempt to march into the North. In this article, we will delve into the particulars of the battle, determining who won the Battle of Antietam.

Background to the Battle

In the summer of 1862, the Southern Army, led by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, launched the first major invasion of the North with the goal of forcing Union President Abraham Lincoln to remove the blockade of Confederate seaports. Leaving behind a force strong enough to hold Richmond (the Confederate capital) and the strategic ports Lee set his sights north, with 40,000 soldiers marching through loyal Union territory. Washington, D.C., however, remained untouched.

Beginning of the Battle

The Confederate advance, known as the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee, moved silently and quickly, approaching the town of Frederick and then pushed rapidly toward the strategic Maryland City of Sharpsburg . Union General Ambrose Burnside’s Army of the Potomac, stationed at Manassas, Virginia, in response to Lee’s attack, began its 10-day march north en route to Maryland to relieve Washington, D.C.

September 17, 1862: The Bloody Single Day

On the 15th of September, Ambrose Burnside and 118,000 Union Soldiers reached the Potomac River and Cross the Potomac Bridge late in the day, leaving their wagons behind . The Next night, September 16, the 45th and 51st Maine Regiments (about half of the total) occupied the town of Sharpsburg, anticipating **their advance towards Frederick on Sep 17 ***. Just before dawn, General Harrow, Union Cavalry, was ambushed

Union troops advance rapidly through the early hours:

1. Union Colonel Rufus Dawes takes charge of a portion 4,500-man formation and moves across Antietam Creek and around enemy positions, trying to block Confederate access.
   2 The Union Army Corps moves under cover of thick mist, pushing through Sharpsburge
   3 As fighting continues, 14 Maryland units switch allegiance and leave the Union and support Richmond
   4 A division headed by Union Major General Edward H. Carpenter approaches Cemetery Ridge

Data on the Number of Soliers Killed or Injurd

According to Civil War historian James McPherson, around 3.6% of soldiers or 3,600 wounded or killed at all ranks ( Total: 102,272 ) in 1 calendar day.
For civilians, the figure for estimated fatalities and missing numbers on the First and Later Union & American States for all combatant sides are reported 1-150 civilians, the figures varied depending on estimates ranging:

<div align’="center">

According to estimates reported



   **1st report Estimate: 25% Dead/Missing Union Army 

  **Report estimate</b>

(1862)
(War)
Reported Estimate 150 Missing.
Union