Final Assault at Antietam | History Traveler Episode 254

After taking the Lower Bridge at Antietam, the Union 9th Corps began their final assault in an effort to outflank Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. But racing to hold off this attack was a division under A.P. Hill. In this episode, we're walking the ground where the bloodiest day in American history came to an end and where two generals would meet their end.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburg...
Check out ‪@VloggingThroughHistory‬ to see the other side of the collaboration that we did at Antietam.
Battle maps in this series provided courtesy of ‪@AmericanBattlefieldTrust‬ . Check out the full battle map here: • Antietam: Animated Bat...
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originmaine.com!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
A Bloodletting at Burnside Bridge | History Traveler Episode 253: • A Bloodletting at Burn...
"Dead on the Field": Walking Antietam's Bloody Cornfield | History Traveler Episode 248: • "Dead on the Field": W...
Where the Battle of Antietam REALLY Started History Traveler Episode 247: • Where the Battle of An...
The LOST ORDER That Led to ANTIETAM!!! | History Traveler 245 Lost Order: • The LOST ORDER That Le...
The Terminator of Antietam at THE BLOODY LANE | History Traveler Episode 251: • The Terminator of Anti...
All drone flights conducted by a Part 107 licensed pilot outside of the park boundaries

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Folks, J.D does an amazing job of bringing us American history free if charge, so let's repay those who fought for our freedoms and donate to the American battlefield trust and continue to preserve our battlefields from development. It is a great organization.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Absolutely. Love the work that they do.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

I started this playlist somewhere in the middle. Started from the beginning with a topo map and was walked through the battle. Very well done series. A remarkable story well told!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

thanks! Appreciate that!

[@dr.ulyssesswlabr6642]

Antietam is a fascinating chapter of the CW and this series is outstanding. Thank you for producing these excellent videos!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@neilpage901]

I really enjoy your productions. All are well researched and sympathetically told. Thank you.

[@Magik1369]

Your videos are some of the finest Civil War history materials on the web. McClellan was so ambivalent and such a coward, he could have crushed Lee at Antietam...but the fight went to Gettysburg where more blood was shed. Last time I visited Antietam, I was out in the cornfield by myself at 11:00AM. There was no one around. I heard cannon fire as clear as day and many others have reported the same thing. Antietam is haunted and one immediately feels an eerie vibe when touring the battlefield.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for the kind words. Hope that the channel is doing some good.

[@tch1225]

Definitely one of your best series! Keep up the great work JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks a ton!

[@cyndiebill6631]

Thank you for this amazing look into this battle. To be the last son to die and the one who supported his Mother had to be devastating to his family. We forget that many of these soldiers were the sole supporters of their families and when they were gone the struggles that they family went through had to be awl full.😢

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

To me, that's one of the saddest stories on the battlefield.

[@cyndiebill6631]

@@samuraieko5408 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cyndiebill6631]

@@samuraieko5408 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Strength-in-Union]

@@samuraieko5408 And you, sir, are what Scots would refer to as a 'bawbag'.

[@JackFlemingFan1]

The videos you post are excellent and the history given by you as to what occurred really brings the past back to life the way no book could ever hope to accomplish. Thank you once more for keeping the American Civil War history alive as I have learned so much that was never taught in school!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@SoCal780]

Amen to that.

[@bethschenk2851]

What makes it so much worse for Mrs. Carter and losing her 3 sons is she had lost her husband before losing 2 sons at Shiloh and then her son William at Antietam. Beyond devastating.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awful.

[@michaeldouglas1243]

I wonder what became of the poor soul. How she ever had any money to survive

[@pmcclaren1]

No sympathy for anyone who just DO NOT MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS!!!!!

[@gregc.7167]

@@pmcclaren1 awww is someone missing their slaves today?

[@pmcclaren1]

@@gregc.7167 I will tell you this, ole boy. SLAVERY is the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST; HE Requires you to forsake ALL for HIM. Get rid of slavery and you get rid of the ONLY WAY to Eternal Salvation. John 3.3, 33-34- Wake up ole son!

[@davidensign5172]

Gosh! What can I say? Your informative, well-presented series certainly portrays and explains the battle and also the effect on the community. Thanks! You and Eric really bring the past to life. The animated maps help because I'm also a visual learner.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. The American Battlefield Trust really gave us all a gift with those maps.

[@jimplummer4879]

Thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thank you!

[@jimplummer4879]

@@TheHistoryUnderground you're very welcome. A historian after my own heart.

[@stevemetz689]

I tell ya Jd, i've really enjoyed watching this Antietam series , very descriptive. You got an awesome channel , your awesome at what you do. 🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@markb.7642]

As always a thoroughly professional and enlightening series. Cannot wait to see what you have in store for us on the next adventure. JD you are one of the best!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Got a few more episodes left in this series and then it's off to the Revolutionary War.

[@randyhill4652]

Again JD great work on the battle! I can’t thank you enough with bring us American history! Thank you very much!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching.

[@reiniergroeneveld7801]

What a fantastic series! Thank you so much for all the time and effort that you put into making it for us all.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@colvinator1611]

Another chapter in the history of a great nation. Thanks a lot. Colin UK 🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bradbalderson8172]

This has been an excellent series JD, well done!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@benred5818]

Please continue the Civil War vids, they are great! Wish they were longer since they are so great. I enjoy watching yours over Battle Field Trust with respects to them.

[@janetcarey6954]

The accounting of events of Antietam have been a true learning experience. Great videos from both sides! Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@terryeustice5399]

This is a sad event. And great narrative of this final day of the battle. Especially a mother loosing all her sons. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnkay3678]

Excellent series on Antietam.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@henrywhittaker2519]

Excelent production.

[@I_am_a_melon1992]

I am learning more and more about history every video I watch by you! It actually is concerning that they fail to cover all of this in school here!

[@MamaDee_83]

I truly enjoy each of your videos. So well done in every aspect. Keeping our history alive. Thank you JD!

[@jamesschock2257]

JD I just want to say that your videos are so much more informative than a lot of documentaries. Also, not far from me is a civil war pow camp. Camp Ford. If you are ever in East Texas around Tyler, if you have time to check it out

[@mato5758]

Being a non-American (I`m Australian)my knowledge of the Civil war was limited ...(all I knew was it was in early 1860`s,Generals I knew were Grant and Lee, and main battles were Gettysburg and Antietam) from other occasional documentaries. But with JD`s past and present civil war presentations, I`m actually soaking all this up. Being a ww1 and 2 history nut, I`m familiar with military tactics etc, so can follow JD with his description of tactics, strategies, wounds, losses, outcomes etc. good series....

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I really do appreciate that.

[@carywest9256]

Say, You being an Aussie y'all don't have cold Christmases do ya? Hot in the North and cold in the South. Curious from Texas...

[@girldaddividendinvestor]

Poor Mrs. Carter. The Civil War has such long stretching consequences. Incredibly sad story. Great coverage brother. Keep it up!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very sad story. Thanks for watching.

[@mikemontgomery2654]

Thank you for going to these battlefields and telling the stories. They really more understanding in finer details about what happened, why battles were won and lost.

[@mrDCunningham]

An absolute amazing series JD. I have been there but never really understood what happened. I like a few of your buddy's who do these teaching history videos but you are the best out there. Thank you for your efforts. It's really great stuff. 👍🏼😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. That really does mean a lot.

[@DustinWiseM1]

Another great series JD. I learned many new things about this battle and look forward to getting out to the battlefield soon myself

[@TheOlmecindian]

I’m a Canadian 🇨🇦 and I’ve been obsessed with Gettysburg civil war stuff for years I think I was there in a past life lol

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

The Civil War is an endless well of content to study.

[@Strength-in-Union]

These videos really bring the history to life - I think we can all now say 'I was there'.

[@13JAMLAND]

Great work! , thank you from here in the UK . I’m liking all your videos on the US Civil War and battlefield tour videos . I know the basics of the US Civil War and watching your videos is really capturing my interest and imagination for the subject , thank you .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

So glad to hear it! Thanks!

[@1psychofan]

Can’t imagine losing 1 son~let alone ALL in 6 months! That poor woman! Wow!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awful.

[@tomwarner2468]

Sort of the basis for saving private Ryan, as I remember!

[@1psychofan]

@@tomwarner2468 different war but yes….smacks of similarity! It certainly moved my heart!

[@murielsmith8922]

This lady reminded me of Mrs. Thomas Sullivan who lost all five of her boys in WW2. The men die but the Mothers suffer the most!!

[@1psychofan]

@@murielsmith8922 I thought of her too. My son returned from deployment safe and unharmed ~ I am forever grateful to The Lord for that. I pray for all soldiers and their moms….I know the pain and worry too well!

[@johnblessing2642]

Great series JD!! Your videos did an outstanding job covering the battle and the battlefield. I also really enjoyed your inclusion of the South Mountain sites. They are well worth a day just to find and see all of them. Can’t wait to see what your next series subject will be. Keep up the great work!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Got some Revolutionary War content coming up next.

[@vincentlavery2568]

Nothing like walking the ground with an expert. Brilliant stuff.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@fredv7487]

Thanks JD always love the videos and can't wait for the next one. Keep up the great work and stay safe. The personal stories are always great. Thanks again.

[@gustavonmesquita70]

Hello from Brazil. I have always been fascinated by the American Civil War history and I am enjoying your channel very much. Congatulations. Keep up with the good work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@roygarciaazborn64]

Outstanding educational knowledge on the battle of Antietam.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Hope that it serves to be helpful to people.

[@charlesfritz7131]

Really enjoyed your series on the battle of Sharpsburg...south named the battles after the nearby town where the north named most of them after the bodies of water.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@brandon779]

Good job on the series. I know you put in a lot of time and effort. Hasn’t gone unnoticed, much appreciated!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@kdcowboy9478]

Incredible video. Very well done should be used in history classes.

[@stevemahoney6493]

I truly enjoy your work and have for a long time. It has grown poignant with my recent discovery that my great great grandfather was with the 20th Massachusetts from April 1862 until he was wounded in June 1864, probably at Malvern Hill. William Gartland Company A.

[@JohnLehmeyer]

Want too travel to these site's just don'thave the ability to do so. Thanks JD for taking us tthere! You do a great job!!!

[@marcsheinberg6487]

Excellent, will revisit when new museum is opened

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can't wait to see that myself.

[@lthom5158]

This series has been outstanding, as usual! You do such a good job describing the events and movements of the armies! By telling the stories of individuals who participated or were affected by the battles you show the human side of war. Thank you!

[@philslaton7302]

Thank you ... a truly amazing series your Antietam presentation is.

[@johnzajac9849]

In Hartwig's book about Antietam, he describes how the stone walls along the Hagerstown Pike played a role in the fighting near the Dunker church.

[@dbach1025]

I have said it before, and I'll say it again because it's true. The quality of editing is even more amazing. I know you hate editing, but you are getting really good, my man. Congrats. This series was fantastic.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@mrchappel]

AP Hill's attack was a Major "Hit" on the union left flank is an Understatement. Bear in mind, after they captured Harper's Ferry, paroled prisoners, had lunch, etc, the soldiers had brand new uniforms and shoes (which they haven't seen in a while) and also Captured Regimental colors. I have no doubt from a distance they looked like Federal Troops. When Hill Showed up it was the perfect attack situation for him, and baffling for Rodman because in that smoke filled haze I bet he couldn't tell who they were! Were they Union reinforcements? I've read a lot on Antietam and one word that was used a lot to describe AP Hill's flank attack: was that they "Smashed" into them. They didn't see it coming. Another Great Video, Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for the added analysis. 👊🏻

[@mrchappel]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Thanks! Keep up the great work.

[@Wideoval73]

Another really good video. Very informative. Thank you. Really like all of your videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@chrisrichard2526]

Thank you. When I was stationed in Korea in 1990 I was able to take some time and track battles there. Every time it rained it seemed we were finding mines and mortar shells washed down the hills.

[@magarthur3420]

Not sure if this is the final episode, but I really enjoyed this series. Great job by you, VTH, and the Battlefield Trust.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Got a few more to go before we move on to the American Revolution :)

[@mikenixon2401]

Excellent series. Your work is appreciated. Keep traveling.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Many thanks!

[@christiandm1041]

ALWAYS real cool and well done!! Appreciate you sir!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that!

[@bethgiesey9405]

I have enjoyed the Antietam Battle as well as all of the others. The Civil War is my favorite History War. Thank you for bringing this to life

[@jimcronin2043]

Well-done series, as usual. Thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@debraforrest579]

I live in Hagerstown and have been to Antietam battlefield so many times but it looks so different seeing it through your eyes. I will have to make another trip just to see the things I have seen on your videos i have missed, Thank You,

[@brucevaughn2886]

Superb description of broad spectrum of action as well as the details of the actions of the battle.

[@Vinegarsoup]

These videos are SO good. Thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them!

[@andrewzy]

Love the suspensful music in this JD kinda like another one of those last hurrah's to get the job done for the union side of things.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@normajeanmorrissey4459]

Been to this battlefield. What moved me the most was the Church in the battlefield. Went inside. First thought of services it held. Imagined my minister Dad preaching there! Also thought about the wounded who lay here, some recovering, some dying. My Civil War studies began with the doctors, nurses, sick and wounded as I am a nurse.when I study a battle those things always come to mind.

[@JohnMiller-jl2pr]

this route you are taking is one of my walks I take along with the Snavely Ford by the creek. Thx of updating on what happened, I will be thinking of it while on my walk....

[@jefferyfowler7860]

Well done JD. We love how you try to simplify your video's. 👍 👍 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 👍

[@kevinconville3199]

You have the best show on u-tube. Thank you!

[@markandrews2942]

Great series'. Sharpsburg MD is on my bucket list too once more in my life.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Amazing place.

[@johnjacobs1625]

Thx 4 all your Work in Saving this History, JD!! JJ

[@copsrobertsokl5127]

Been enjoying this series JD very informative on battles I don't remember being taught in school. It's a very sad thing that the mother had to endure with losing her husband and then her son's. That reminds of the Sullivan brothers from WWII have you done a video on this???

[@matthewarcher3024]

Man I love your videos. So happy I discovered your channel

[@Knards]

Superbly well narrated

[@mwdjr3158]

Pure enjoyment! Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danielsexton467]

Thoroughly enjoyed your Antietam series. You do good work sir.

[@edwardh1591]

Really neat! Continue the good work!

[@Agben35]

Best stuff on KZbin!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@danwoodliefphotography871]

There is a marathon that runs from Harpers Ferry along the canal, through most of Antietam, and to Shepherdstown. That made me appreciate how hilly Antietam is more than any other visit to the battlefield.

[@1psychofan]

Excellent episode…so much to go over her…..pausing this comment to watch again! Well done JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@1psychofan]

@@TheHistoryUnderground so much meat here! Very good coverage JD. I love the way you include troop movements with personal stories ~ wow! About that mom though!!! I cannot begin to imagine her pain and loss! Do you know if her sons were all on the same side of this conflict? Just curious

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@1psychofan - Yeah, they were all Union soldiers.

[@1psychofan]

@@TheHistoryUnderground well, if there’s any comfort to be had at least they weren’t opposing each other. Still WOW! That story shook me,

[@1psychofan]

Separate topic. Another fan asked me if you will make more T shirts. She wants to order some for Christmas gifts 🎁 any chance?

[@phantomtitan9792]

This was definitely a fascinating series

[@iananderson1901]

Your game is on point for this

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that!

[@exdemocrat9038]

I absolutely love this video. Thank you for sharing & educating us.

[@donnyc6328]

Strong work as always. Thank you for all the work you do on these videos

[@patrickmccrann991]

JD, another great video. Keep it up my friend.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 👍

[@Itsnotapet]

Love it👏👏 keep em coming

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@marctremblay8087]

Thank you so much for this video . The Napoleonic style warfare would come to its end with various firearms that could be fired a lot quicker and artillery which could shoot further with the addition of newly developed shells ,so heartbreaking that so many men were lost .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@richiebrown170]

Thanks JD another awesome video. I really enjoy the hard work you put into each video you make. Man I love the Civil War series that you have made . Your research and study of the battlefields that goes into the videos you create are awesome!! Keep em coming buddy 👍

[@morallysound1]

Just Fantastic documentary, TY ! I've been there, years ago, still so greatful to learn more from you.

[@gringopig]

Great series! Thank you

[@mortalclown3812]

Bro, you know your stuff. Terrific presentation. Rest in peace to all who fought. Here's to our republic surviving these awful days of division.

[@GreatNorthernTech]

Awesome series! Thanks JD!

[@SoCal780]

Great series, JD. Thanks so much, I really enjoyed it. 👍

[@citizenbfk]

Seeing the actual terrain gives me a better sense of the difficulties of this battle. No mountains, but lots of Hills.

[@joeritchie4554]

Your videos explain so much, and the inclusion of personal stories make the history more real. It shows to me how God awful that war really was. There is nothing glorious in war. It is such a tragedy.

[@CrossTrain]

So good. Thank you so much! I thank God every day that I found this channel some time ago. It is one of only two channels I follow (American Battlefield Trust being the other) where I just go ahead and "like" the video before I even start it. It's a sure thing from me! Thank you!

[@swampyankee]

The 16th Connecticut was known as the Hard Luck Reg. A newly formed regiment, they were so green at Antietam that they had barely fired their rifles. After their route at Antietam they were assigned to North Carolina where almost the entire regiment was captured. I happen to have a kepi of theirs.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thanks for that extra info.

[@davidking6172]

The price of War is a sad one. What a waste of men. Great episode JD thank you so much 🙏

[@baystateplugflipper7061]

Great work!!

[@landonjameyandmaxxbavaria8602]

Love the series

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@tommytodd9073]

Great Job, Thank you.

[@ricklipford8762]

Excellent video JD enjoyed very much love the work that you do

[@rodtillapaugh6178]

I knew nothing about this battle so thank you for sharing !

[@jsmith3772]

Great description of the final battle, it shows the fine margins battles are often won or lost by, if the IX Corps hit Jones's troops an hour or two sooner the outcome of the battle may have been quite different

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@jsmith3772]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I have posted on your earlier video about the absence of General Reno(he was killed at South Mountain), I have often thought he was an underrated commander for the Union Army; do you have any thoughts on whether or not his leadership could have been vital on that day for the IX Corps. Thanks for your amazing videos as always.

[@danielkeating1201]

Superb series. FYI...from the east side of the Rohrbach/Burnside bridge to the National Cemetery is approximately a walk up an 80 story building !