On the weekend of September 16th - 18th, we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the single most deadly and bloody battle in American military history. The battle referred to as Sharpsburg by Southern Forces and Antietam by Union, caused almost 23,000 casualties in a SINGLE day.
Since this is a round anniversary, this will be a big event in Gettysburg, at the Daniel Lady Farm.
There will be two full blown battles, Artillery, Cavalry and Sharpshooter demonstrations, the camps will be open to the public and the visitor area will feature a large selection for shopping, eating, living history displays, speakers and events for all ages.
While we of course, are looking forward to this very special commemoration, the reenactment community and the organizers at Daniel Lady Farm are also striving to make the events even more interesting AND convenient:
DANIEL LADY FARM NOW OFFERS BLEACHER SEATING! The number of seats is limited to 750, so get your tickets in advance, right here:
https://gbpa.networkforgood.com/events/36606-160th-anniversary-of-the-battle-of-antietam-sharpsburg
Take advantage of reduced prices, all tickets more expensive at the gates.
In order to understand, what an important event this battle was, here is a little excursion into the history of the battle:
The first impressive fact are the numbers deployed by both armies on that day!
As you can see, the Union troops outnumbered the Confederate troops at a ratio of almost 2:1. Based on this fact alone, one would think that this should have been an EASY Union victory. It wasn't. In fact, the battle is considered to have had no clear outcome and could be called a "draw". So how was this possible? A multitude of reasons let to the outcome:
Antietam, the deadliest one-day battle in American military history, showed that the Union could stand against the Confederate army in the Eastern theater. It also gave President Abraham Lincoln the confidence to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation at a moment of strength rather than desperation.
How it ended
Inconclusive. General Robert E. Lee committed his entire force to the battle, while Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan sent in less than three quarters of his. With the full commitment of McClellan’s troops, which outnumbered the Confederates two to one, the battle might have had a more definitive outcome. Instead, McClellan’s half-hearted approach allowed Lee to hold ground by shifting forces from threat to threat.
In context
Lee invaded Maryland in September 1862 with a full agenda. He wanted to move the focus of fighting away from the South and into Federal territory. Victories there, could lead to the capture of the Federal capital in Washington, D.C. Confederate success could also influence impending Congressional elections in the North and persuade European nations to recognize the Confederate States of America. On the other side, President Abraham Lincoln was counting on McClellan to bring him the victory he needed to keep Republican control of the Congress and issue a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Aftermath:
It was the LAST battle for Gen. McClellan as the leader of the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln lost all confidence in him shortly after: There are more than 22,000 casualties at the Battle of Antietam. Doctors at the scene are overwhelmed. Badly needed supplies are brought in by nurse Clara Barton, known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” During the night, both armies tend their wounded and consolidate their lines. In spite of his diminished ranks, Lee continues to skirmish with McClellan on September 18, while removing his wounded south of the Potomac River. Late that evening and on September 19, after realizing that no further attacks are coming from McClellan, Lee withdraws from the battlefield and slips back across the Potomac into Virginia. McClellan sends Maj. Gen. Fitz John Porter to mount a cautious pursuit, which is repulsed at the Battle of Shepherdstown.
While the Battle of Antietam is considered a tactical draw, President Lincoln claims a strategic victory. Lincoln has been waiting for a military success to issue his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. He takes his opportunity on September 22. The Proclamation, which vows to free the slaves of all states still in rebellion as of January 1, 1863, will forever change the course of the war and the nation by marrying the Union cause with an attack on the institution of slavery. Hesitant to support a pro-slavery regime, England and France decline to form an alliance with the Confederate States of America.
After McClellan fails to pursue Lee on his retreat south, Lincoln loses faith in his general. Weeks later, he names Burnside commander of the Army of the Potomac.
NOW that you learned a lot about this very significant battle during the Civil War, we look forward to seeing you at the battle, and please come say hello in Camp! See you next weekend! More info:
https://danielladyfarm.com/events
(Source Credit American Battlefield Trust: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/antietam)