1862 : Michiganders Fight in Battle of Antietam, MD

When:
September 17, 2024 all-day
2024-09-17T00:00:00-04:00
2024-09-18T00:00:00-04:00


Three Michigan officers played major parts in the Battle of Antietam : General Alpheus S. Williams, General Israel Richardson, and General Orlando Willcox.

In total, several thousand Michiganders fought; Michigan forces claimed approximately 360 casualties during the battle, the single bloodiest day in U.S. military history.

Whether one claims that Antietam was a draw or a victory, the battle enabled President Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation shortly thereafter. And it prevented England and France from recognizing the Confederate States of America.

Sources:

Scott Pohl, “Authors tell story of Michigan’s role at Antietam“, WKAR News, November 23, 2015.

Tom Bowman, “Antietam: A Savage Day In American History”, NPR, Septembe 17, 2012.

“Michigan at Antietam Day Honors CW Soldiers’ Sacrifices”, Michigan History, January/Febrary 2013, p.6.

Roger L. Rosentreter, “Three Generals and an unlucky regiment: Michigan at the Battle of Antietam”, Michigan History Magazine. Sept-Oct, 2008, Vol. 92 Issue 5, p20, 10 p

Michigan at Antietam : the Wolverine State’s sacrifice on America’s bloodiest day / Jack Dempsey & Brian James Egen

Antietam by the Civil War Trust.

Battle of Antietam Youtube Video

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