Series: A Savage Continual Thunder

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 U

• Article 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

• Article 2: The Union Reeling

  

  The Union needs to take control but are reeling in defeat Read more

• Article 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

• Article 4: Crossing Over

  

  The Confederate and the Union armies are coming to blows in Maryland Read more

• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

  Article 5: Harpers Ferry to South Mountain

  

  The Battles of Harpers Ferry and South Mountain Read more

• Antietam National Battlefield

  Article 6: Antietam: Lead Up to and After

  

  The preparations, battle and aftermath of the Battle of Antietam. Read more

• Antietam National Battlefield

  Article 7: What Comes Out of Antietam

  

  With a victory at Antietam, President Lincoln could make a major legislative move. Read more