The Overlooked Fighting at Antietam that Decided the Battle: Antietam 160

The Cornfield, the Sunken Road, Burnside Bridge - over time these areas of the Antietam Battlefield have become known as the most crucial areas of fighting. However, many historians argue that the most important part of the battle took place right where the visitor center sits today. Join Garry Adelman, Dennis Frye, Kevin Pawlak and Kris White as they walk the field and discuss the actions of September 17, 1862. #AntietamBattlefieldTour
This video is part of our coverage commemorating the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. View the whole series here: • Antietam: 160th Annive...
The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

[@blukeblue1235]

I sat outside on the porch swing in a light rain with a cup of coffee and watched this video. Ahh Perfect.

[@dalep6590]

This is how it is done. Explanatory battlefield chronology that isn’t commonly known. Detailed. I can read the personal stories from multiple sources. Can’t get this content anywhere else. For those of us, thousands of miles away, this shows us the battlefield that we can’t readily see in person. The chronology and timing references most helpful, too. Full applause and thanks.

[@astaboy]

Well said!

[@JOEHOVA]

I'll say it again. You are all the GOLD STANDARD in civil war content. I love the drone shots and overall camera work too, well done.

[@shiningstaer]

Agreed.

[@davidgreene6976]

Jonhova God,thanks for freeing the slaves.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣✝️✝️✡️🕊️😇

[@JOEHOVA]

@@davidgreene6976 That was Mr. Lincoln.

[@ronmoore5827]

I have been to Antietam 5 times, Took a 4 hour tour with a guide just last Oct. This is the first time I was ever made aware how much fighting took place at this spot. Thanks again Gary and crew, never fail to learn something new from you guys.

[@johnnystir9796]

You all have a way to make this history come alive, but Dennis is just special. He's such a good storyteller and a great teacher.

[@rolyatdivad]

Dennis is an eloquent and engaging teacher. I like how he uses his body to demonstrate the directions and movements of forces in the battle. It helps orient those of us watching on screens.

[@miketriz3100]

I really enjoy Dennis and Garry together, it's amazing how much 2 men know. I recommend anybody watch the video that they shot over in Sharpsburg. Also if you could find the video of Garry doing the civil War and 50 minutes it's downright amazing.

[@deanalexis3444]

Ed Syu rgsgs teetee tee

[@martyabeln6167]

Thanks!

[@jimmyjames9752]

SAVE OUR BATTLEFIELDS AMERICA 🇺🇸

[@marvmattison5248]

You guys are exactly right, I didn't know much about that section and what regs. fought there. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on that. Very interesting.

[@vickistevens423]

Once again, Garry and company have done an outstanding job with this Antietam 160 anniversary. Thank you all for an awesome job.

[@renatobianchi3060]

I'm nota from the US but the Civil War captivates me. Thanks. The Best Video ive seen on battlefields.

[@bigsarge2085]

Yes, incorporating soldier stories, human stories, into the larger narrative gives these documentaries incredible context. I learn so much!

[@galghaidhil]

Dennis did such a superb job with the constant swarming of bugs around him. Hahaha. He’s truly a pro and such an engaging historian / presenter. Excellent video!

[@bradbortner6982]

Really enjoy Dennis’s knowledge of the local geography, topography and how it affected the action.

[@anthonybendl8125]

Outstanding, as usual. This has given me a completely new perspective to the battle. Thank You!

[@jonlittle6572]

Great video. Read about this phase of battle but puts it into perspective with a visual. Terrain dictates as always, back then and still today.

[@Suppercamper]

Wow! I have been here it is worth the trip to get here.

[@michaeleverett7247]

Dennis is bloody brilliant 👍

[@joe5st817]

This is why I subscribe and like these episodes! I enjoy the tours of the well known battle sites but LOVE when we get tours of lesser known but extremely important sites on the battlefield. We’ll done guys 5 🌟

[@mikelynn6877]

I was there this may and we loved it and it was nice to set foot on that sacred ground

[@dannybrennan2182]

Great video, although with a minor mistake in the map. The map shows the 3rd Indiana positioned between the 111 Pennsylvania and 102 New York. That regiment should be the 3rd Maryland, as this was the third regiment in Henry Stainrook's brigade. The 3rd Maryland was with the XII Corps during Antietam and even have a monument on the field. The veterans later joined the IX Corps and fought throughout the Overland, Petersburg, and Appomattox Campaigns. Dennis Frye correctly mentions them in his great talk.

[@RavenGent]

Antietam is one of my favorite battles of Civil War especially Bloody Lane. At a recent civil war reenactment I took part in, My unit I was part of reenacted Bloody Lane, we were part of the Irish Brigade. It's commander Thomas Mar, is one my favorite commanders.

[@brandonray8409]

Love the channel man!! Absolutely love it!

[@earlyriser8998]

excellent over view of the unknown stories

[@dridemoto]

What a great video!

[@tomdynia9951]

Great exposition by Dennis Frye and the rest of the team. Over the years the ranger-conducted battlefield walks have changed my perspective on General McClellan. While not turning me into a raving fan, I certainly no longer dismiss him as the bumbling idiot Little Mac portrayed in some popular accounts. Good job!

[@fishinglunkies3629]

I knew exactly where you were before you said it because it looks exactly like WAR OF RIGHTS…I said aloud, he I’ve charged there with the men of the 5th VA on the game…I’ll visit there someday, keep up the good work guys, I love it!!!!

[@JOEHOVA]

we were just there yesterday during the UEC event hahahaha.

[@Wdstroud]

Thank you so much for covering this area of the battlefield. I love your approach to covering all the CW battles in this format. filmed walks through all these bloody engagements bring a new and valuable perspective.

[@christopherk3641]

Dennis Frye is a Pro.

[@slainteron4027]

Dennis is awesome

[@Chiller01]

Great narration of this story.

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Thank you for such a great video, learned a lot more and I appreciate it.

[@frankmarshall1519]

I visited for the first time in June of this year. This video was the best explanation of what happened that I have heard and made it easier to understand after actually seeing and walking this part of the field.

[@e-4airman124]

thank you😀

[@Tomatohater64]

Loved it, gentlemen; great stuff!

[@herodotus7]

Antietam is the best battlefield. So beautiful. Normally very few people there.

[@brianboyer6012]

I love you guys.Your presentations are always very informative.I learned even more than I already knew.Garry and Dennis,you guys rock.Thanks for all your hard work keeping our history alive.

[@dadsongs]

I've offered compliments before on your videos, but I have to say that this one is hands-down the finest example of the outstanding work you do!

[@richardglady3009]

That was the most amazing description of battle and battlefield, I have ever seen. Just a few moments into Dennis Frye’s description combined with the map and aerial view…I knew right where you were. Thank you!

[@lukemcallister6403]

Standing applause. LOVE the longer videos

[@ronniedurie7752]

Thanks just isn't enough to Gary and Dennis and the crew!. I'm sitting here almost gasping for breath as I'm living in that time listening to Dennis literary making me almost SEE the battle as it is happening!!! and explaining the battle and the element of surprise by the Union forces kneeling below the arising for that moment towards the Confederates. Keep it coming! to you'll for all you do in keeping History alive and the ones that will never be forgetting as long as we have such GREAT historian's like you'll!!! I will GLADLY support American Battlefield Trust!!!

[@lizlittle1641]

I remember seeing that part of the battlefield. I don't remember the details of what happened, but I remember the land.

[@andrewhoward9870]

Excellent presentation! Very insightful!

[@llamadrama8856]

These guides are top notch! I could listen to their stories anytime!

[@terryeustice5399]

Another great narrative on this battle. Enjoyed it very much. Thank you for sharing!

[@robosledger5158]

Outstanding video. Dennis is awesome! Thanks for painting a clear picture of what took place on that part of the battlefield. I almost felt like I was on the field as the events took place.

[@michaeldouglas1243]

I know I sound like a broken record in these comments, but 5 🌟 gentlemen. Everyone is top notch. I can not get enough of your content. Keep them coming, especially the individual stories ans dairy accounts.

[@bringyourownbrilliance4353]

I can't add much more to the comments below, but, to add, I love the method, the way our hosts explain everything. Of course, we are not "spoiled" by war film footage [re: World War II]. The above presentation is well presented with all the minute details. Excellent. Thank you, and best wishes for every future success!

[@timschulze5789]

What a beautiful presentation of the action that took place on the high ground. I have visited the park twice, both time with other civil war enthusiasts and we never understood the strategic importance and the valor shown by both Confederate and Union troops at this site. Thank you for being educators as well as preservationists.

[@ancientheart2532]

I recall going to Gettysburg after looking at those historical photos after the battle; weapons.....cannons lying all around. I was 12 or so and was so dispointed there were no guns lying about! Not even down in the rock cracks at Roundtop!

[@bandit3072]

Completely captivating narrative! thanks so much for this. I will upon my next visit spend more time in this area.

[@Realstuffadventures]

Thank you So Much for this video. I have only visited Antietam one time so far and on that visit was limited in time, not near enough to absorb as much as I had wished. for many years I just never really read much about this battle although I have been familiar with it. On that visit I was so excited to finally see the field and the major icons such as Dunker Church, Bloody Lane, and Burnsides Bridge...I never thought I would get to do that. Since my visit I have gained an super appetite to learn all I can about this event. Been watching lots of your videos and recently I have purchased a copy of William Frassacnito's book on "The Photographic Legacy of America's Bloodiest Day", It caused me to pull some of my older books out such as "Kershaw's Brigade", and my friend Mac Wycoff's books on the 2nd and 3rd South Carolina. I am very excited now as I can reference these books as I watch your Antietam videos and better understand the participation of Kershaw's Brigade on the 17th...This video was especially helpful in this matter. At the time I visited the battlefield I did not have time to stop and read the interpretive panels. You all made this very enjoyable and educational. I especially enjoyed Dennis Frye walking in the steps of the attacks from Kershaw's Brigade, It made more sense as I originally thought all of those charges across the Pike were closer to the church, this brought it all to life. Thanks... oh...In Wycoff's book on the 2nd SC on page 47, there is this...On the far right of the regiment, Gaillard, Waller and at least two others of the Secession Guards (Company F) move forward to a bench-like rock where they fired at artillery in their front. I assume this particular rock may be still visible today. It would be great to be able to see it !

[@kyleUT]

I've watched many of these videos. My observation is that Dennis usually finds a way to make part of the video about himself.

[@TermiteUSA]

Hi y'all. Glad to see this subject up again. Just wanted to say the maps you guys produce as a perk(?) of membership are absolutely great reference. I've been to the area of this video a few concentrated times ( and many more times to the bridges and other parts) and never got the significance of this story from the signs, monuments etc., But with the maps in hand it begins to make sense. Keep up the great work.

[@cliffordkilpatrick411]

Great!!!!

[@tberkoff]

Dennis makes a strong argument to relocate the Visitor's Center and I agree. Unfortunately, Antietam doesn't have the funds to to do so like Gettysburg. The VCs at Antietam and Manassas need to go.

[@NKDuisburg02]

Would've loved to hear more about the Turner Rifles, this was their place of glory.

[@luisvaldes1568]

I'm glad for the overcast day, as that part of the Battle is remembered makes it fitting. What is not talked about is all the bodies that had to be walked over and on during the many attacks on the hill by the CSA troops.

[@y00h0011]

This was outstanding. It certainly brought closure to my understanding as to how that day found it's end.

[@gentryxc]

This was an awesome video. It made this part of the battle so understandable to me. Thank you ABT!

[@craiggleason8386]

You guys are awesome, wish I could have been there but this is almost as good

[@allanburt5250]

Fantastic guys thank you once again 👏

[@sgtzsquad]

Thank you again. Great clip with so much valuable information. Semper Fi!

[@americanwelder9865]

Been there many times. Burnside bridge is my favorite spot!

[@aaronshaw6743]

Really appreciate Dennis and his knowledge and insight thank you. I would love to see him visit fredericksburg and give his take on that. That had to be so frustrating for the rebels to take that ground and then realize they have no support to hold it. risking their lives to obtain it. Probably a common occurrence in a lot of battles for both sides.

[@StereoSpace]

Fascinating history.

[@sarahfitterling9494]

Are you guys still there somewhwere i would really like to meet you guys

[@jamesmartin8945]

I just went with my son a few weeks ago and the temporary visitor center was completely empty because it was moving day. So it definitely took more than 2-5 months lol. I can’t wait to go back and check out this spot when I go back though! Hopefully they have the visitors center up and running.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Come back to the channel at 7pm EST tonight 👀

[@naturalselfyoga1617]

Great video. Thanks so much!!!

[@johnzajac9849]

a. At 1:22, his right hand is pointing almost exactly toward where the 72nd PA regiment was located during the fighting on 17 September 1862. An ABT map in this video indicates that the 72nd was there, just yards to the east of the church. Another, better view of the regiment's position is at 10:26. In July, 1863, the 72nd PA became famous for being near the angle in the stone wall on Cemetery Ridge during 'Pickett's Charge'. b. Gen. Greene, a descendant of the excellent American Revolutionary War general, Nathanael Greene, repeated his stellar defensive performance at Culp's Hill on Day Two at Gettysburg. c. In view of the important information about that high ground, it appears the NPS made a critical error in putting the Visitor's Center and parking lot where the VC is now. Indeed, the NPS has degraded this important battlefield location.

[@richardallen3289]

Dennis Fryes father ,a good friend of mine was a great historian also. I always gave him all the info i could find that wasnt out there.

[@platform15gym]

Great video guys. Eye opening information about this part of the field. Agree that visitors services are necessary, but not necessarily needed right on the core of the battlefield - hope that will change in the future. Also it really helps us to understand how the soldiers must feel when you consider the distances that were marched by the various units leading up the battle. Fascinating!

[@floridian9897]

My GG Grandfather fought for the 27th NC Co K in this area, was wounded in the shoulder, survived and surrendered with Lee at Appomattox.

[@josephhewes3923]

They're not going to move that visitors center any time soon. Not with the money they just spent renovating it. Those of us over 40 years old will not see it move in our life times.

[@SgtHack802]

Best of the Best!!

[@stevensmith5232]

Keep up the great work!! Awesome!!

[@mackenzieblair8135]

It’s quite fitting that George Greene will hold the position much like he held the vital position on Culp’s Hill at Gettysburg a year later.

[@dpault]

So well done gentlemen, all the while under constant assault by waves of gnats!

[@Baskerville22]

In the 'Enthusiasm Stakes' it's a photo-finish between Gary & Dennis

[@davidmcnamara5977]

Incredible work, Guys!!

[@eltonjohnson1724]

Wow! Good information! For a long time, my understanding was that the 6th Corps was held in reserve and never got into the battle at Antietam.

[@Sherman1862]

Awesome Video!!!!!

[@---------353]

Thanks ya'll. Really like your videos. Maybe incorporate drone fly overs would be so cool with your analysts. 👍

[@gentryxc]

I appreciated Dennis' last segment about the visitor's center. My recollection of my Antietam visit and ranger-led tour is that, after an initial orientation, we proceeded quickly to the cornfield, the east and west woods and then down to the sunken road. I remember the view from the visitor's center, but don't remember any effort to explain its importance or roll in the battle.

[@ottmarscheffler5274]

Currently this part of the battlefield is used for overflow parking while the new visitor’s center is being renovated.

[@StevenvonBriesen]

Wow!

[@johnanderson2432]

I have enjoyed the series on Antietam, you guys have the ability to bring the battle to life! One suggestion, when you do a map insert, it would be useful if you could pin where you are on the map and what direction you are facing. I try to follow the discussion by viewing a map of the battle but am not always successful in locating where you are at.

[@danielvanmol5655]

Belgium following.

[@Bocajef134]

Reality check: The USNPS isn't going to move or teardown the visitors center anytime soon, if ever. Okay a mistake was made in locating the visitors center; back when; however, the crucial importance of this location should be highlighted (and fully explained by the NPS) as a major reason for Union success at Antietam. My question: is why the strategic knowledge of this crucial high ground is not readily known?

[@johnsullivan3060]

I can only subscribe it to the lost cause myth. Seeing as it's the source of most civil war bull and mythology. The narrative was always that the south held it's ground against overwhelming odds. Nope. It got pushed OFF it's ground. So the attacks to retake that high ground never happened. Other than in the context of HOLDING their ground, not trying to retake the high ground they lost. It's imperative for the lost cause myth, as well as for lincolnites, that Little Mac gets no credit for beating Bobby lee, Stonewall Jackson, Jeb Stuart, James Longstreet etc... The Mount Rushmore of the South. He's the only one to ever beat that lineup though. No matter how they have tried to downplay it or explain it otherwise.

[@astaboy]

Less we rehabilitate George too much-Yes🧐. McClellan captured THE key to the battlefield. But a key only works if you then insert it into the lock and TURN the damned thing. Something the little Napoleon never had the stomach to do-given the 120,000 confederates that were still in his head.

[@johnsullivan3060]

Well, us lil' Mac fans will take what we can get. ;) His rehabilitation will be a long process. Owing to 160 years of a narrative to the contrary.

[@shiningstaer]

Who will be in Henrico this weekend?

[@brianconklin7684]

Wow so Greene had some more practice commanding a defense before Gettysburg

[@wendelljackson1488]

Great presentations; makes me want to visit Antietam. However, the correlation between lectures and views of the maps needs improvement. It is almost impossible to envision the actions described verbally with the very, very "busy" maps. It would be helpful if the maps were better animated with tight correlation with the lecture so the viewer could follow the action on the maps.

[@johnyannelli2480]

Is the visitor center now open?

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Only the temp one.

[@gentlegiant3227]

Why were the rebs scattered around harper’s ferry? Why wasn’t the entire army consolidated? Why fragment you’re army in the face of the enemy?

[@richardschlottman7324]

It seems that even if the high ground is only a foot or 2 elevated it is very important. Why ?

[@davidlloyd150]

😊

[@LeeHoFooks]

Gary has tried to slow down a little i think.

[@petaniemas7417]

Halo Hadir ini om ku mantap 👍