Stories in the Maryland Campaign

Items that help tell the story of a Civil War Soldier

National Park Service

By the summer of 1862 there were few Americans whose lives had not been impacted by the Civil War. Union morale was low and Confederate hope was high. Seeking to capitalize on his successful defeat of two union armies earlier in the summer, Robert E. Lee hoped to move quickly and seize the opportunity to resupply his army and move the fighting onto Northern soil.

"The army is not properly equipped for an invasion. It lacks much of the material of war, is feeble in transportation, the animals much reduced, and the men are poorly provided with clothes, and in the thousands of instances are destitute of shoes."
~Robert E. Lee to President Jefferson Davis, Sept. 1862

When a copy of Lee's plans came into the hands of George McClellan the Confederates faced disaster.

"I have all the plans of the rebels and will catch them in their own trap."
~George B. McClellan to President Abraham Lincoln, Sept. 1862

These are the stories of that summer…

Showing results 6-10 of 16

• Antietam National Battlefield

  Freedom At Antietam

  

  As a result of the Union victory at the Battle of Antietam, Abraham Lincoln was able to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, making the Civil War a fight to end slavery as well as preserve the Union. Read more

• From Regiment to President: The Structure and Command of Civil War Armies

  

  It can often be confusing trying to follow the chain of command in the armies of the Civil War. Look no further if you need help sorting out the brigades from the corps and the major generals from the lieutenant colonels. Read more

• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

  Lifeblood of a Nation

  

  The blood of a nation - its life, its health, its wealth - is carried by arteries of railroads, rivers, roads and canals. During the Civil War, as the armies marched back and forth across the landscape and the blood of its citizens was spilled, these arteries became more important than ever. Read more

• No Time for Games

  

  An entire generation was shaped by this critical chapter of American history and the weight of war was borne on little shoulders as well as large. Whether they snuck into the army, served as drummer boys, helped tend the wounded, or faced an every-day struggle to stay alive, the perspectives of children offer unique insight into the effects of the Civil War. Read more

• Antietam National Battlefield

  September Suspense

  

  The Union and the Confederacy during September 1862 Read more

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