Chapter 1: Lee’s First Invasion of the North Ends at Antietam

Victory at Second Bull Run on August 30, 1862 convinces Robert E. Lee to undertake his first invasion of the North. Along with 55,000 troops, he crosses into Maryland on September 3, heading east into the Slave State, expecting support from the local citizens which never materializes.

Worse yet, along the way, a copy of his detailed battle plans, lost accidentally, falls into Union Army hands under General George McClellan, who moves his 78,000 troops north to intercept the rebels.

On September 17, the two armies clash along Antietam Creek at the town of Sharpsburg in what becomes the bloodiest single day battle of the entire war, with 3,654 KIA and total casualties reaching 22,726. Despite his overwhelming advantages, McClellan’s tactical errors allow Lee to escape the field and return to safety in Virginia.