A Bloodletting at Burnside Bridge | History Traveler Episode 253

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

⭐ If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.

[@tk2kunleashed260]

What’s your name #The History Underground

[@SMTraz]

Your Antietam series has been a masterpiece. Thanks for your hard work! I had the honor of taking a guided tour of the battlefield led by then Princeton Professor James McPherson (about 15 years ago). It was a truly memorable experience and your series serves as a wonderful refresher on this pivotal day in US history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@marinewillis1202]

The actual view that Toombs had over Burnsides bridge when you are actually standing there is unreal. It is basically a sheer cliff overlooking the bridge and the surrounding roads leading to it. I was blown away at how commanding a position that was and makes you understand how so few troops could hold off so many, for so long.

[@michaelmelen9062]

Yes. Until you have stood in the Confederate positions on the hill, you don't realize how dominating the terrain is at the bridge. The Antietam battlefield is a fascinating place to visit.

[@marinewillis1202]

@@michaelmelen9062 I have been to a ton of battlefields (havent been to Gettysburg yet as when I went up to see Antietam, Wilderness, Fredricksburg etc the weather was really bad in PA so I didnt want to risk it as I had driven all the way from Atlanta) and Antietam is my favorite so far. The rolling hills in that part of MD, the way the town is basically still the same (Cant even find a gas station in it open after like 7 lol) and that battlefield are just truly remarkable. I then looped through the Shennandoah Valley on my way back to Petersburg which is beautiful drive. Chickamauga is another good visit.

[@michaelmelen9062]

@@marinewillis1202 Sounds like a great trip! Appomattox is another interesting site. I live close enough to take day trips to Gettysburg, and it is worth a several days' visit. The battlefield guides are excellent (and free), and there are two or three each day at different places on the battlefield.

[@marinewillis1202]

@@michaelmelen9062 oh it was. I decided to it for my bday a few years ago. My dad and I had always talked about doing it so I did it as sort of in memory of him as we never got to. Drove from Atlanta to Petersburg in one day. Then hit Cold Harbor, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Antietam and the Valley over the course of several days. Just flew by the seat of my pants with no reservations, just stopped and got a room when i needed one. Funny story about that was trying to find a hotel leaving Antietam. There is literally NOTHING in any direction for 40 miles from that town. I loved the Town of Fredericksburg but the actual battlefield is not really there anymore. The stone wall on Maryes Heights is basically in the middle of a neighborhood so I felt a little weird wandering around in front of peoples houses lol

[@leethear2174]

@@marinewillis1202 you’ll like gettysburg whenever you get a chance to make it there… the place is very well preserved and a great town.. I love every chance I get to go

[@mikenixon2401]

Great report. People tend to foget the geography and topography that played into so many of these battles, and those locations were not as trimmed back as today. BTW, thank you for traveling where I am no longer able to travel myself. I've been blessed having gone many places, but there are far more I'll never see first hand due to my health. Trust me, you are providing not only information but a service to people like me. Blessings. Keep traveling.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Terrain is everything. Glad to share the experiences. Thank you for watching.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Another good story added to this great series. Can never get enough of the Civil War. Thanks.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@cyndiebill6631]

Can’t imagine what it felt like to have to cross that bridge knowing you weren’t going to make it. How very frustrating it had to be for the Union to keep going only to be pushed back. It’s such a beautiful spot just so hard to imagine the death that happened there. 👍😊Great video as always.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely a rough spot on Sept 17, 1862.

[@danjeys4999]

Hasn't this bridge been rebuilt

[@GettysburgLentz]

Great video again JD! Your Antietam series is gold. I took a tour with a certified guide with a group from Addressing Gettysburg last year. When we got to the Burnside Bridge we stood overlooking the bridge from the Confederate side. The guide knew I had a personal connection to the story, so when it got to the two 51sts he stepped back and allowed me to tell the story. I told the story, and at the end I said, “My ancestor Henry Lentz of Company F of the 51st PA was killed trying to take that bridge.”

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow!

[@wildcolonialman]

An abysmal Battle. Illuminating. Remarkable American history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@CupheadAleks]

I can't overstate how much I absolutely love your Antietam series. It's so hard to top your Gettysberg, but I think you've done it! Thank you for taking the time and teaching us history!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@jetsons101]

Almost all of the locations you used for the video look so peaceful today, it's hard to imagine how bloody and brutal it was during the battle. Thanks JD for keeping our history alive. As always - - - God, Family, Country.

[@davidlavin3492]

Such a peaceful scene today where there was so much carnage. I’ve always enjoyed that area. Your videos have been amazing, your work is spectacular.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@Shawnroberts1980]

Great stuff JD. I can't even imagine being told "You know that bridge that everyone is dying while trying to cross? You're up next"....crazy.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Nightmare.

[@marilyn6556]

Such a shame that lives were cut short.

[@cynditermath9118]

Your Antietam series is so engaging. I’m learning so much.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Frictionfactor]

I found out recently that my great great grandfather fought in the 50th GA Inf, Co.A. He fought and survived each battle they were in and was one of the soldiers that surrendered at Appomattox! It was very interesting to see the ground that he fought on!

[@herenowjal]

Your videos are absolutely fantstic ... They are filled with detailed history, cover amazing sites and battles, and the filming is unsurpassed ... I can't thank you enough for your vision, detail, and effort in bringing this valuable material to the viewing public ... Many of us are unable to make the journey to these amazing sites, yet with through your kindness we are able to visually visit these historic locations. Thank You -- again ...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! That means a lot to me.

[@gale212]

I love the way the videos come together. The low key music and the cutting. Great touches.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much!

[@mikeheavener2510]

These videos are tkaing me back to the time I spent there as a kid. Now i want to go back when I can really appreciate it a lil more

[@stevenrisso5535]

I worked summers on a dairy farm just outside of Sharpsburg during the late 1960's. Burnside Bridge was still a public road and I tramped these battlefields a lot back then. It's changed a lot but the Park Service has done a great job retaining the atmosphere of the day

[@SoCal780]

Quite the battle indeed. I also appreciate the perspectives from both sides of the bridge. Great work, JD, thanks brother.

[@DustinWiseM1]

Great Video JD!! I couldn’t even imagine having to cross that bridge under such withering gunfire. I can’t blame the men of 51st Pennsylvania for their demands. Stunning video quality as always. Keep up the great work 🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@Ronaldl2350]

Wow. The heights at the other side of the bridge are insane. Seeing that and still trying to cross that bridge is a whole heap of courage.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can't even imagine.

[@stephennickles7389]

Read about, and imagined "Burnside Bridge" crossing for years, your video made it so clear, image will be indelible. I cant imagine the bravery of these young guys walking into an almost certain death. Seeing the bridge from the confederate position was awesome, Thanks again

[@tommroz5539]

We were at Antietam and U really did a Great Great Job! Thanks Again 😊

[@Chard-O]

Another great video JD. When I visited, I was mesmerized and just stood on that bridge to try and imagine the tactics of the day. Impossible. Another quick footnote, that large sycamore tree on the east end was a young tree at the time and witnessed the battle. Incredible to think about. Thanks again!!

[@vivians9392]

A witness tree!!

[@russharbaugh2028]

the bridge was open to automobile traffic in the early 1960's, I distinctly recall trying to touch the wooden planks that cap the sides from the backseat of a 1958 Pontiac. Well done series, I am local and lucky enough to visit the battlefield whenever I wish. Very pastoral setting, amazing vistas almost unchanged from September, 1862.

[@91Redmist]

That sycamore tree in the corner on the Union side is a witness tree. Imagine if it could talk, the stories it might tell.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I know!

[@gbennett2889]

Burnside with those glorious side burns!!!

[@lthom5158]

This is a fascinating look at Antietam! Greatest work!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Many thanks!

[@terryeustice5399]

Loved this narrative on the Burnside Bridge. And the capture of it. The flanking movements . And especially humorous was the PA 51st’s wanting whiskey allotments given. Amazing what motivates men. 😮

[@b.o.4492]

Really enjoyed this video. Love the angles you used and you really make history come alive. Burnside Bridge is so iconic. Thank you for doing it justice.

[@phyllishershkowitz3806]

What courage to go towards what for most of them would be their death. I imagine at Burnside's bridge back then there probably weren't trees for cover. Thanks for your hard work on this series. Looking forward to more!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. Pretty amazing place.

[@Mist3rData]

Finally an informative serie about Antietam, thank you for the education. Massive respect for the men who fought here

[@aaronday2739]

Absolutely LOVE your civil war series’. I’m proud to say that I’m a fellow Missourah-ian(Missourian) equally intrigued in history. Your video editing skills are on point and when coupled with your informative narrative makes your videos ‘must see TV’!! Keep the great videos coming JD!

[@peopleofonefire9643]

My great-grandfather was with Cobb's Legion. at Burnside Bridge. He lost part of a leg from artillery shrapnel in the Devil's Den at the Battle of Gettysburg. He then played in the Army of Northern Virginia band, until surrendering at Appomattox. He was 78 and my great-grandmother was 28, when my grandmother was born!

[@englishamerican699]

I was at Antietam a couple days ago. While looking at the witness tree at Burnside Bridge I ended up eating a gnat and then I revisited your Antietam series of videos and saw you do the same thing, I feel your pain.

[@codydillow31]

im so glad i found your page and its crazy seeing a place you grew up your whole life and still get to call sharpsburg home so much history in one town

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Love that place! Hope that you continue to enjoy the channel.

[@grantv2313]

Stopped by there a few years ago from Illinois. Walked across this bridge. Unbelievable feeling to think what happened there. One of the neatest historic spots in the country IMO. Really enjoyed your video. Didn’t have a guide while I was there.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed. Thanks!

[@candaon7832]

Thanks for the great video. My partner and I have been walking the Snavely Ford path for exercise recently, and you do a great job of laying out the areas of attack and defense. Thanks.

[@uscitizen4172]

I’ve been to Burnside bridge. Unbelievable steep drop to the bridge from the Confederate side. Crossing that bridge took unimaginable bravery!

[@corbinbacon9043]

You always have the best music paired with your videos. Well done, you put alot of work into these. It doesn't go unnoticed 🤘

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@arielcabalin2746]

I was visiting that iconic bridge just before the pandemic, I wish I could know more about it ! Thank you for sharing!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@packfreshcharizard]

I’ve been looking forward to this part of the series. Wonderful job! Thank you!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@tod2992]

Watching this series makes me want to revisit Antietam. When I was there it was impossible to get a perspective of what happened. Excellent work sir. Thanks

[@MrBradleyDavid]

Well done JD. The commander of that area of the battlefield took advantage of a river crossing to canalize the enemy into a kill zone. Nothing has changed, except the speed of the enemies advance in modern times.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed. When you stand on those heights, seeing what they were charging is absolutely stunning.

[@jmad627]

I’m finding myself really enjoying your videos. This is the second. My father was a Civil War buff and while we lived in Virginia, while he was in the navy, we visited many of these battlefield sites. But that was around fifty years ago. These two videos of yours about the battle of Antiteim/Sharpesburg I’ve seen have brought it back to life for me.

[@davidbruns9263]

This was really good. I really like how to show the actual spots troops were at in perspective to the bridge. Well done and thanks JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@lawtonlancaster5753]

Good protein. Thanks for love history and sharing. We have to keep it alive

[@asweettooth1288]

"The only reason we left? We ran out of ammunition.." -Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount, He'll on wheels.) Great work man!.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@michaeldouglas1243]

As I have said before on the Antietam series. I just retired from state service at the Maryland prison system just few mim up Sharpsburg pike and have been to those battlefield so many times I can't count. As many times I went to Burnside Bridge on lunchbreak from training or whatever, I always pondered why didn't the union army flank way out around and come in and hit the Georgians from behind? Maybe they couldn't I don't know enough about that and haven't read anything on it. But standing there starring at that bank I felt eerie every time at the death that was dealt out there

[@fredricjulien8738]

Another great explanatory and coverage of a significant conflict of the Battle of Antietam. I could almost hear the cries and commands of both armies and the firing of their muskets and long rifles as you walked along both sides of Burnside Bridge. 🤜

[@exposethenwo6491]

I have been hearing about Burnside Bridge ever since I was little. But the Cornfield was where it was really out of control.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty nasty.

[@ianknight2053]

Excellent series, many thanks from England.

[@bullhead900]

Thank you JD, you are an awesome story teller.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@sherrilee230]

Thank you sir another great history lession.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@1psychofan]

This is incredible coverage of Antietam ~WELL DONE!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@jefferyfowler7860]

I would have had third thoughts of crossing that bridge. Great video JD.

[@barnesstudios]

Look emoji. I hope you guys realize how hard what he’s doing is fr. He probably has show notes from research but no one does this kind of content without a v/o teleprompter combo. This man just learns his material and delivers it ON CAMERA ON LOCATION. No one does this it’s basically live-adjacent. Love it!!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that! And yeah, it’s about as much of a guerrilla filming operation as you can imagine. Probably should get a teleprompter though. I’d sound more intelligent. 😅

[@joshuabeatty7406]

As a young boy my Dad had Life books that covered many wars from the French/Indian wars, Revolutionary War Civil War on down but my favorite was always books on the Civil War it just fascinated me the colored battle maps Two of my favorite Generals are Sheman and Stone Wall love History enjoy all of your videos

[@jjsadventures]

We’ve visited Burnside Bridge. It’s an amazing area

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely.

[@marctremblay8087]

Sir that was a brilliant video well in the very ground and place where death was certain for so many men that tried to cross,it is unbelevable what they did with so much conviction and loyalty to face the enemy . thank you so much for such for your work and approach on ACW History.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I really appreciate that.

[@boondocksaint621]

Subscribed. Absolutely enjoy your delivery, you’re doing a great job!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you very much! I really do appreciate that.

[@billyshane3804]

Another impeccable presentation. Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@macleist6011]

Gnats gotta love'em

[@GreatNorthernTech]

So loving your Antietam series JD. What an awesome job!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@darren6951]

I visited that bridge when me and my father did a two week long vacation of all the battle sights.

[@thearrowheadwoodsman3811]

Outstanding. Cheers !!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Many thanks!

[@JackFlemingFan1]

As always thanks for posting yet another excellent video from you and for providing us with history unlike any book one could read! I've learned much from your videos and can hardly wait to see what you post in the future!

[@noreaster6002]

Another awesome episode, having never been to the battlefield myself, it’s great to basically have a virtual guided tour of the battlefield in the way that is really engaging and entertaining. Thank you, again!!!

[@mattcarter4546]

Thank you so much for this my third great grandfather was with the 8th OVI they were there under Sumner the 8th lost 50% of their strength that day

[@jayuihlein1664]

Another outstanding History lesson taught by JD. Thak you. Well done as usual.

[@travisbayles870]

Two of my Confederate ancestors fought at Burnsides Bridge at Sharpsburg They were part of the 20th Georgia Infantry Regiment part of Toombs brigade

[@murielsmith8922]

Hey J D, Even swallowing a knat, coughing and a gaging, you didn't miss a beat. That's dedication to the work at hand. Throw in a few spider webs and some branch water and you had a quick meal on the go. LOL

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Thanks!

[@Headstoneman]

It was nice of Antietam creek to provide you with a free lunch (the gnat) so you wouldn’t have to take a break! Wonderful video JD! Right up there with the rest of them! Love your civil war videos!

[@markb.7642]

Impressive as always, and I am so glad you did not edit out the gnat. Thank you for producing such videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Thanks.

[@rickalbrecht2393]

Loved this,Thank You

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@speakupriseup4549]

Your videos are so well made and presented, always fascinating and informative, with little Easter eggs of humorous side notes thrown in.

[@oregonoutback7779]

Throughout this entire video, my thoughts drift back to a scene from the old TV show, Hell on Wheels. Cullen Bohannon has an encounter with someone that was part of the Union attempt to cross the Burnside Bridge. It was a great scene because someone studied their history before writing it. Rare for Hollywood :)

[@natehamann3773]

Your videos are awesome. I was just there in September. Very powerful place.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@russellmania79]

Thank you very much for this series. I'm finding it very informative.

[@marcusbuckner5582]

Thx so much!!! No markers for the CSA anywhere??? We appreciate your candor and knowledge of these battles!

[@cassieTibbs20215]

As always GREAT JOB!!! Loved that you included the gnat swallow 😝

[@johnlivella9732]

Great series!

[@fortusvictus8297]

If I remember correctly, Walker and GT Anderson's brigades were supposed to support/fill in with Toombs if there was a push on the bridge, but they were quickly flank marched all the way to the left (northern) flank and wound up at the 'West Woods'.

[@misterbaker9728]

Wonderful series as usual. Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@lesthiele4921]

Another great lesson in what was a very sad time in US history, and something that should NEVER have happened, I have said before I would really like to do a ACW tour, it has been on my ' bucket list' for a very long time, vest best regards from Australia.

[@tonyk1584]

I see a lot of parallels between this action and 82 years later on Omaha Beach. Then had to leave the (woods, stone wall - landing craft) and get across the (bridge - beach), many knowing they would not survive, and take those (hills - bluff). In both cases the mission was accomplished by shear bravery and strength of numbers. So, with Veterans Day just two days ago,To: These civil war soldiers (both sides because the average GI is not interested in politics but rather keeping faith with the comrades with whom they were serving) My fellow Vietnam vets who didn't get the recognition they deserved And to all other veteran, "Thanks for your service"

[@ct3343]

That hill beside the bridge is bigger than it looks on camera btw! Very steep and high where they were on top of that hill. When I visited I took the walking ramp bc I would’ve fell going down that haha

[@joemabry9643]

Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikelynn6877]

We were there this may and it was nice just to step on the bridge

[@mnpd3]

One of the few mentions made of the odds at the bridge; 24-to-1. The handful of Georgians held off an entire U.S. Corps for hours until AP Hill could arrive from Harper's Ferry, change the odds to 6-to-1... good Southern odds for a win.

[@shotgun111180]

going on a bike ride on the C&O trail. This is one of the stops I hope to see

[@gregleonard7391]

Great job!! Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@bonniewilkins3419]

Great video, JD! I got excited when I heard you reference Thermopylae and 300 ~ one of my favorite lessons to teach my 7th graders!

[@mickbgb5254]

As I approach old age with a lifetime of great memories to look back on, I shudder to imagine those young men marching to their death and attempting such a herculean endeavor. What must their thoughts have been? Your viewers who have military experience will no doubt know the answer but to the rest of us, truly incomprehensible.

[@mikalpechota770]

Great video. I love watching your videos of places I have been. Not sure if you knew or forgot to mention the witness tree that is still there along the bridge. Thanks again great work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I figured that Chris would be touching on the witness tree in on Vlogging Through History, but I did give a nod to it in the video by showing the information panel.

[@stevehein7884]

great job presenting this

[@ACupPlayz]

The courage to cross that bridge......

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely took grit.

[@ACupPlayz]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I've never been to Antietam..but its on the list. Thank you for the video.

[@ejatravels]

Great job JD with the story of the 11th CVI. More on Griswold from Old Lyme,Ct. : He commanded his Company at Antietam on 17 September 1862. All the rebel batteries were now roaring. The air rang with whistling balls and the ground quaked with the hard breath of artillery. The Eleventh Connecticut descended to storm Antietam Bridge. The rebel guns were pouring in a destructive fire of grape and canister; while continuous volleys from an unseen enemy in the woods were also showered upon them. Down the road leaped the Eleventh into this "valley of death." Companies A and B under Capt. John Griswold were deployed as skirmishers; and they plunged into the swift stream here some fifty feet wide and four deep, their dauntless commander taking the lead. He was shot through the breast while in mid-river but struggled forward, and fell upon the opposite bank, among the rebels. The rest of the War Surgeon Meyer and four men of the regiment retrieved the Captain and took him to a nearby shed, where he was later visited by General Burnside. He died of wounds the next day at a field hospital on the Henry Rohrbach farm near the bridge.

[@Chiller01]

Ah the infamous wet gap crossing, a challenge for any army. Surprise, speed and traffic organization are fundamental to success or so they say. I didn’t realize the ridge was so close to the bridge.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I didn't realize it either until I went there. It's right on top of that bridge.

[@Chiller01]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Yeah I always visualized it as a more gradual slope with the Confederates shooting at like 100yds or so. The rebels were right on top of those poor guys! It was a choke point like Thermopylae.

[@clewis5917]

Enjoyed. Thank you.