Aftermath

Lee remained in place the next day, September 18, but McClellan, who would not commit his reserve during the battle, balked at renewing the battle. By nightfall, Lee slipped across the ford and retreated back to Virginia.

Confederate losses were 10,700 and Union losses were 12,410, not including the 3,000 missing in action. Combined, approximately 4,700 were killed and 18,400 wounded, making Antietam the single bloodiest day in the American Civil War.

Strategically, Lee's invasion was turned back, damaging efforts at obtaining foreign recognition for the CSA. President Lincoln seized the draw as victory enough to issue the Emancipation Proclamation on September 23, freeing the slaves as of January 1, 1863. He urged McClellan to pursue and finish off Lee, finally visiting "Little Mac" in person on October 6, but McClellan refused for six weeks before belatedly crossing the Potomac on October 26, and Lincoln finally sacked him November 5 in favor of Burnside.

Antietam

Introduction to Antietam Battlefield
The Campaign
Morning Phase: The Cornfield
Midday Phase: Bloody Lane (Sunken Road)
Afternoon Phase: Burnside's Bridge
Conclusion: Aftermath

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