Discovering an Unknown Burial Site at Antietam

Dennis Frye, lifelong resident of the Antietam Valley and former Chief Historian at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, gives a first hand account of discovering an unknown Irish Brigade burial site on the Antietam battlefield. This video compliments our other release where Dennis details how War and Religion clashed at the Dunker Church during the battle: • War and Religion Clash...
Learn More about the Burial Map discovery here: www.battlefiel...
Watch our live announcement about the Burial Map here: • Discovery: Antietam Bu...

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Thanks for joining us for this powerful and somber piece. If you would like to learn more about the Burial Map, head to our website www.battlefields.org/news/previously-unknown-map-showing-engagements-aftermath-amounts-rosetta-stone-battle-antietam and to check out our live announcement video about the map, click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJy0dapprqmSjNE

[@CharlotteFairchild]

Was it possible there was friendly fire?

[@blackhorsecavalry]

57,740 days after this event and Dennis brings you there in an instant.

[@dougm5341]

Dennis, that is the most powerful story I’ve ever heard about a Civil War battlefield, and I’ve been on many of the Eastern battlefields....

[@muskiedave7197]

My paternal great grandmother had a older brother that served with the 6th Wisconsin Volunteers at Antietam. He survived the battle but was severly wounded at Gettysburg the following year. In 1998, I was able to take my wife and two teenage sons and retrace his footsteps from Antietam to Gettysburg. Both battlefields are hallowed ground.

[@danwoodliefphotography871]

My favorite Civil War regiment. I am not from Wisconsin but went to grad school twice in Madison. Last year, I managed to acquire a CDV signed to his brother from a thrice wounded member of the 2nd Wisconsin. He later died on memorial day while trying to rescue two boys from drowning. I am sure your wife is very proud of her heritage.

[@jasonroberts6080]

The only two battlefields I have visited so far, and i agree, such an awe inspiring experience to visit places where so much sacrifice was made.

[@chuckrondeauoutdoors4575]

Chuck here on my wife's account. I have never been more moved by a story of the Civil War as I was by this one. Thank you for bringing the events forward to the place where they belong in our memories. So well told.

[@carbinephantom]

Fantastic. In this age so close to conflict in our time, we’ve completely forgotten the sacrifices made by so many to secure the freedoms we now have. Those lost will never be forgotten. At least not by me.

[@steventwiddy3402]

And by removing the civil war monuments around they country they are trying to erase all of this history…….very sad !

[@Toche44]

What an incredible story. The hand of history and humility reaching out simultaneously and gripping our humanity.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

I was just at Antietam yesterday for the first time in probably thirty years and now watching various videos about it, this one moved me the most, thank you for sharing.

[@steverone9455]

I can only imagine. I can see you the pain you felt for that soldier. Very moving and telling.

[@zoanth4]

I dont know how it took me a year to see this, but wow what a powerful account

[@bobflorell8654]

Dennis thank you for preserving history! Man what a powerful moment.

[@jaygorny]

This man is a fantastic storyteller! His delivery made it so much more intense and emotional.

[@theRappinSpree]

Fantastic piece by Dennis. I’m an ACW buff born & living in Ireland. It might seem strange to say but I feel a connection with the Irishmen who fought in the conflict. This is a powerful and quite emotional piece

[@michaelzahnle5649]

Struck that many times simultaneously would lead me to believe that the soldier might have been the color bearer or a member of the color guard. It was common practice to aim at them in an effort to disrupt the regiment's morale and alignment.

[@garrettramsey643]

Or an officer

[@panzerlieb]

Since the Irish brigade went through several on this day. It is very likely it was a standard bearer. Which one we will never know. So few of it’s members survived the war

[@effen_aey_man]

​@@garrettramsey643 Officers were never the target for a volley, if they were then there wouldn't have been any surviving officers by the end of the war. You aim at the flag because the flag is always in the middle of the regiment and if you hit the flag bearer you can tear the moral of the men down faster then killing an officer ever would, and without moral an army is just a group of men

[@effen_aey_man]

@@garrettramsey643 From the website Gettysburg compiler: Civil War flags were highly symbolic and full of meaning, just as flags are today. The flags helped establish a group identity and gave the men something to fight for, which explains why there are so many stories of drastic measures taken by soldiers to prevent their colors from being captured. Flags were also intertwined with ideas of victory and the capture of enemy territory. They could be used to mark territory as one’s own.

[@terrancehanley2970]

Can I just say I wish there was more of Dennis he makes everything feel like I can picture what was happening very well, the animated maps help, But the way he explains things is awesome. Ive been watching any video you guys have with him. This video got dark, the way he respects history is something to be respected. Hope he comes back for more in the future. If not please pass along my thanks. And again thank you guys!

[@ohmeowzer1]

God Bless those dear young men who died so tragically..heartbreaking...the stories you told just touched by soul..

[@kevincostello3856]

As a Veteran myself youre comments are spot on, truly Thank You

[@OkieSketcher1949]

My great great grandfather, COL (later General) David Miller Lang, fought in this battle and received his first wound of the war there. His second was at Fredericksburg. He eventually commanded the Florida contingent of the Confederate Army in the eastern theater leading both of their portion of Pickett’s charges at Gettysburg (Anderson’s Brigade). He fought in the Wilderness and at Petersburg. Eventually he signed the Armistice (the surrender actually) at Appomattox Court House on behalf of the State of Florida. It is amazing to me that he or most anyone else survived the carnage. The history of this war must be taught to all of our citizens, and done so accurately, so that each of us may better understand why this country is as great as it is. Why we must all take our citizenship more seriously. Why our way of life is so important to all freedom loving people wherever they may live.

[@markstine781]

I worked on the Antietam National Battlefield for the Youth Conservation Corps in 1984. It was the best experience I could have had!

[@FullDarkParanormal]

This is downright stunning! So beautifully spoken and such an incredible, powerful moment to retell! Thank you for this!! I’m a recovering archeologist (if ya know the fieldwork lol) and it is so fascinating to learn about the recovery/discovery/preservation done at these hallowed grounds, I’m finding it’s truly as interesting as the battles themselves. After my partner and I’s 4th trip to Gettysburg, I’ve devoured your KZbin channel content, purchased several books on the Civil War, and have asked for a Battlefield Trust membership for Christmas. I love this!!

[@thesouthernhistorian4153]

I had family who fought at antietam 2 of them lived in my native state of Texas and joined the army when the war started but both sadly fought against each other one served with the Texas brigade the other in the iron brigade and the 2 nearly killed each other in Miller's cornfield and I know the 2 hugged each other but sadly the 2 would not survive the war both were killed at Gettysburg. I'll never forget the 2 of them.

[@sennadesillva]

WOW, thats quite a coincidence Bryce! My great-great uncle on my dads side (WI 6th Co.B) was killed at Miller's cornfield and several family members on my moms side fought for TX there as well.

[@vivians9392]

@Me Smith Sounds like one should have moved to east Kentucky, and the other stayed in west Kentucky. At least they should have lived in different counties! The amount of tension and trauma they caused the family is unimaginable. SHAME!

[@40rounds48]

I can't put my thoughts about this segment into words...unbelievably sobering and fascinating. Thank you for making and posting!

[@froggy41u]

Incredible story, and very moving. I cannot recall ever being impacted quite the same way by any other civil war historical reference footage that I've ever watched. Thank you Dennis Frye.

[@marklazaroff7213]

Dennis - you made this story so powerful. Thanks for that.

[@mfreund15448]

Rest In Peace soldier.

[@Cardytwinz]

This is amazing! Thank you Dennis for conveying so well the powerful emotions of that moment. I always enjoy your spots on this and Garry's pages because of your deeply felt connection to the places you go to present. You had me in tears with this one!

[@balexwogel]

This guy is an excellent story teller.

[@barrygrant2907]

This brings to mind what those who investigate the remains of the VN MIA remains must feel. Bless them for their efforts.

[@ehayes5217]

Not just informational but emotional, too...rare, but very much appreciated, thing to see. Thank you.

[@aaronshaw6743]

thank you for your passion and dedication dennis

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

Thank you for telling that amazingly sad story. But even tho we don't know his name I am sure he's at least glad to be remembered

[@marcwitt8507]

Very moving story ty for sharing and the feeling you had that day …im sure his spirit was guiding you ….

[@richmcmann1235]

Wow. As you were talking I felt your sadness. I can't imagine finding the bullets that killed that person and picking it up. Excellent story.

[@Country_Girl63]

The reverence you paid to that soldier was very telling, and I can tell by how you tell the story, how deeply it still impacts you! Our TRUE history must be preserved, and never forgotten!

[@ppena4128]

Warts and all...I agree!

[@davemac533]

I recently visited Antietam for the first time about three weeks ago. incredible place. Thanks that was a fascinating story

[@kevinbreeden5893]

My dad and I attended their funeral in the National Cemetery. A very moving day!

[@markmeader5148]

Amazing!!! My two ancestors came from Scotland in the 1850’s and fought with the 28th Pennsylvania, Tyndale’s Brigade, Greene’s Division, 12th Corps in the Cornfield.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@niallfitzpatrick6568]

As an Irishman myself I know all about the Irish Brigade. A distant relation of mine was Private (later promoted to Sergeant) Thomas O'Neill, 7th Cavalry, who had a narrow escape in the Battle of the Little Big Horn. When JFK came to Ireland a few months before he was assassinated in Dallas, he brought the flag of the fighting 69th New York, who made up a major part of the Irish Brigade. Its on display in our Houses of Parliament in Leinster House (its worth a heck of a lot more than our politicians who frequent there!)

[@73F100]

Thank you for posting this and the respectful description of the discovery.

[@benec5816]

Thank you Dennis for this report. Thank God that someone with not your sence of History and life had just grabbed it out stay safe and keep up the great work see ya I had a shiver go down my spine as you told aout it

[@culloden23]

I got goosebumps, very chilling. Thank you

[@seonewport363]

it is nice to see the sensitivity you have for the soldiers

[@MysticalMe131]

OMG. THIS TOTALLY GOT TO ME. PUT A FEELING IN MY BODY, I'm sitting here on my back porch, and looking in my back yard, I can see it all, I can feel their pain., I can feel their fear of Are They Going To Live or die. And It Just Breaks My Heart. God Bless All Who Died That Day. And God Bless You. And doing what you felt that day, removing those 3 Bullets, They were so Thankful of you. This story was just so Beautiful But Sad. Thank you for doing this.

[@teddyhaynes9876]

The war never should’ve been faught period , Lincoln should’ve never took up arms against his own countrymen . Jwb did ya a favor

[@Mikeofindy]

Thank you for this. I Appreciate you

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Incredible story, well told . I’ve visited that battlefield many Times since the sixties.

[@Alex-ej4wm]

Crazy. This is as close to history as you could get, just simply amazing and sad at the same time.

[@badmonkey2222]

My great grandfather ×3 served and was wounded at Sharpsburg with the 27th North Carolina, also saw action in the Seven Days Battles earlier. Survived the war and passed from complications in 1880, i live within walking distance of the families former property in Fayetteville NC where his and my mothers childhood homes once stood, I've always been fascinated with the Civil War because of my families history and the local CW history as well. Great program!

[@dinaday425]

Excellent story tellig , thank you

[@JOEHOVA]

Dennis is my hero.

[@bholl6546]

Chills. Just walked the battlefield there two weeks ago.

[@DavidWilliams-hv7so]

That was the most amazing story I ever heard. As people living in 2021 we forget how close the Civil War .

[@kevinr3935]

Excellent detailed presentation Dennis..... told with compassion......well done....!!

[@briankesterson4365]

I will show this one to my students. Thank you for telling this and sharing this story.

[@ppena4128]

Also recommended to students is Drew Gilpin Faust's book "This Republic of Suffering; Death and the American Civil War." Not only award-winning - but poignant and riveting. A great read.

[@marcuslaker5876]

You’ll be in trouble if you do...Union Soldiers were all black fighting their racist white oppressors. That’s why the descendants of Union dead aren’t entitled to those “reparation” checks. They’re the ones who profited most off their white privilege.

[@David-lu4gq]

Thank God I found this channel. Keep up the good work lads.

[@Kimchiboy08]

I appreciate your passion for this story and great telling.

[@91Redmist]

Yes, finding the kill object with the remains would be a bit chilling. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Antietam in 2017, even though it was an eerie feeling I had there. Thanks for posting this video. It sure hits home.

[@jasonroberts6080]

Went with my nephew in April, 2018. Pretty much had the battlefield to ourselves, not more than 50 people on entire battlefield that day, as it, such a great experience.

[@rayg3354]

Quite possible that Yankee Irishman was killed by a Rebel Irishman.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Gotta keep it in the families LOL

[@jasonroberts6080]

That was the case in the battle of Fredericksburg,

[@jbolf6]

What an amazing story, thanks for sharing it with us

[@tyrian1616]

And that Lad smiles upon you from his place in heaven, Dennis. Good on you Sir.

[@Luciddreamer007]

Dennis ..... I’m dumbstruck I was compelled to hang on your every word Wow

[@johnnystir9796]

Dennis, you seem like a great person and a gifted storyteller.

[@judefrazier4727]

😔🙏🏻😢 He was some mother’s child, who never got to go home , and she never saw her baby again. I’m an old girl now with two boys, I said a prayer for him🙏🏻😔

[@markleach116]

Very moving story. When Dennis choked up, I did too.

[@mislavmihaljevic6436]

Amazing orator, loved listening to him!

[@j.svensson7652]

My great grandfather fought at Antietam. He was all of 17.

[@j.svensson7652]

@@char524 yes he was. He was a member of the 7th Mississippi infantry, Covington rifles. He survived that war and went on to marry the love of his life. He built a good life and raised kids who went on to live good lives. But the things he endured as a child. Mind blowing.

[@cwin122]

Powerful story. Thanks for sharing it Dennis.

[@TooFarWest1]

Absolutely amazing!

[@davidstepeck2644]

Awesome video Dennis. Great video and such compassion!

[@liamophronnsias]

Absolutely riveting. Thanks so much.

[@pip12111]

My 3x Great Grandfather William Reed fought,and survived Antietam,and Gettysburg.

[@dantediego]

Amazing story

[@davidp4043]

Really enjoyed this, From Dublin,Ireland

[@russcorbett3923]

AWESOME video !!!! Thank you for all that y'all do !!!

[@ohmeowzer1]

I loved this thank you I liked and subscribed

[@effen_aey_man]

The chaos in these battles must have been something on another level. Modern Warfare will never be able to match the pain and levels of casualties these men faced. Just imagine being the man standing next to the guy who just got dropped by 3 bullets at once, fully knowing that in the next twenty seconds you could be next. There is so much beauty in this world, but humanity wants to destroy it all for one reason or another.

[@billynoland7778]

Thank you for all of your hard work.

[@rays7437]

Wow. No words but wow.

[@Quegi-mp1pw]

It has always been a dream of mine to visit the civil engineering war battlefields and museums, but I have very fragile health now that I will never be able to do it. I guess if there was an adult Make-A-Wish, that would be mine. I just fit all so fascinating, all the personal stories, paranormal, etc.

[@mhollman8650]

What a powerful story. Should be told in schools

[@hobartw9770]

Very well told with the utmost respect.

[@faulltw]

I often wonder how many soldiers are still out there waiting to be fond. Thankfully a few less now. RIP

[@hoozerob]

That was heavy, man. God Bless.

[@GLF426]

Sooooo yall dug up an already dug up grave that infact was not undiscovered, but had been discovered, documented, and bones moved to the national cemetery previously? I'm confused

[@ptaylor4923]

Settle for rediscovered, previously unmapped. You know you're not confused

[@GLF426]

@@ptaylor4923 it was a dig at the video title. Pun intended

[@ptaylor4923]

@@GLF426 opps these days it's getting harder and harder to tell

[@ehayes5217]

Thank u, thank u so much for ur expertise & enlightenment!

[@b2l421]

Wow. Thanks for sharing.

[@Ro6entX]

Really makes one wonder how many other unknown burial sites are just waiting to be found, let alone in small insignificant battle fields.

[@brianbrady4496]

Wow cool story

[@bellalugosi5853]

It had always been difficult for me to imagine the hatred at play in the Civil War among citizens of the same country...until recently when I’ve seen it rear its ugly head once more.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

LOL, hatred has NOTHING to do with clashes of political differences, sounds like you have been programed with the progressive socialist mantra

[@bellalugosi5853]

@@REVNUMANEWBERN Is that right? When political differences devolve to rioting, assaulting people just trying to enjoy a nice dinner outside, assaulting someone for not wearing a mask, the on-going censoring of free speech...you call that normal behavior? Our society is crumbling and you are blind if you can’t see it. I have no idea how that makes me a Socialist or a progressive, since I am neither.

[@ptaylor4923]

@@REVNUMANEWBERN To look at the violence in the streets today, or the vitriol spouted in the media and by celebrities and not see pure hatred is 🙄 denial? Just take a look at Whoopi Goldberg's latest rant. She's practically foaming at the mouth. (Stay safe everyone.)

[@ptaylor4923]

@@bellalugosi5853 I agree, Bella.

[@bellalugosi5853]

@@ptaylor4923 Nobody takes up arms against their neighbor to blow them kisses.

[@fastsetinthewest]

Indeed, battlefields are cemeteries. I fought in the Republic of Vietnam '68. The horrors of battle is unimaginable. Men cry for their mother and water. I had gg grandparents that fought on both sides. One fought as a Confederate at Chickamauga and was later captured by Sherman's forces.

[@reneereynolds2839]

I remembered this story in the local newspaper. I clipped it out and saved it. I still have the article. It’s In my Edward J. Stackpole book. The book is called from “Cedar Mountain to Antietam”.

[@brianpeters7847]

How beautiful and peaceful it looks.. How hellish it must have been...

[@7bootzy]

Incredible.

[@shaw9881]

Well done. Please teach your craft to the next generation.

[@TutorWindow]

Well done, Dennis. Respect.

[@keithhuotari2571]

Wow. Remarkable.

[@cii1072]

Wow. Kind of speechless after watching.

[@Goldengolfer330]

Incredible

[@JamesMilliganJr]

Great video. I understand the trauma.

[@ptaylor4923]

First, thank you. It's disturbing that all the remains weren't gathered during the first excavation. But , as a former EMT, I'd like to correct a misnomer about gunshot wounds. Unless he was unconscious, this young man did feel. A person can be alive and conscious with a gunshot wound, two gunshot wounds... one young teen in Los Angeles was shot 9 times and lived. So to say he didn't feel anything is a misleading perception of the realities of GSWs both then and now. Although, without a doubt today's medicine makes them more survivable. Dennis, you're wonderful & I cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed your many presentations, extensive knowledge of history and respect for the people involved.

[@stacyvonn8036]

That's some freaky stuff there Dennis....

[@reidturing9208]

Were the results of this excavation ever published? I would love to read it!