In September 1862 Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee changed the course of the Civil War. By crossing the Potomac River he moved from defending the south and its people to invading northern territory. He hoped that a major victory on Union soil would encourage European recognition of the Confederacy, crush northern morale, and force President Lincoln to sue for peace. As the Union Army of the Potomac scrambled to meet the Southern threat, President Lincoln hoped that Lee's invasion would lead to a Union victory and provide him with the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. "It is for you to decide your destiny, freely and without constraint. This army will respect your choice, whatever it may be; and, while the Southern people will rejoice to welcome you to your natural position among them, they will only welcome you when you come of your own free-will." -Robert E. Lee to the people of Maryland
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Chapter 1: Confederates Taking Charge
The Confederates were experiencing success in the war and were not going to let the Union take back that power so easily Read more
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Chapter 2: The Union Reeling
The Union needs to take control but are reeling in defeat Read more
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Chapter 3: Leading the Charge
Lee and McClellan were the faces and the brains of their respective armies, but once their orders were issued, the responsibility fell to the next level of generals to position the men, carry out the battle plans, and achieve success. Read more
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Chapter 4: Crossing Over
The Confederate and the Union armies are coming to blows in Maryland Read more
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Chapter 5: Harpers Ferry to South Mountain
The Battles of Harpers Ferry and South Mountain Read more
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Antietam National Battlefield
Chapter 6: Antietam: Lead Up to and After
The preparations, battle and aftermath of the Battle of Antietam. Read more
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Antietam National Battlefield
Chapter 7: What Comes Out of Antietam
With a victory at Antietam, President Lincoln could make a major legislative move. Read more