1862: The Unimposing Maryland Bridge that Played a Major Part in U.S. History

September 17, 1862

An unimposing bridge in Maryland played a pivotal role in one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War. The Battle of Antietam, which was fought near the town of Sharpsburg, was the first major military engagement of that war to take place on Union soil. This battle also encompassed the bloodiest single day of fighting in American history. 

Even though Confederate General Robert E. Lee was able to withdraw his army back to Virginia still intact and ready to fight another day, the battle was technically considered a victory for Union Army Major General George B. McClellan and his troops. That perception of a Union victory was enough to embolden President Abraham Lincoln to issue his preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation just five days after the battle. (The final version of this historic and far-reaching document was issued by Lincoln on January 1 of the following year.)

A focal point of the battle had been a 125-foot (38.1-meter)-long, three-arched stone bridge crossing over Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg. Union forces under the command of General Ambrose Burnside repeatedly attempted to seize the bridge from Confederate troops guarding it from a high bluff that overlooked the creek. Finally, after hours of intense fighting and longer-than-expected delays, Union infantry regiments managed to capture the bridge.

This bridge had been designed by someone named John Weaver and built by local farmers in 1836. Along with similar crossings constructed nearby, the bridge became a key means for farmers in the area to easily transport their produce and livestock to market in Sharpsburg. 

The Burnside Bridge — also known as Burnside’s Bridge — was used for vehicular traffic up until 1966. A bypass was then created to take cars to a new bridge upstream. Since that time, Burnside Bridge has been open for foot traffic only for those visiting the Antietam National Battlefield. This structure has become one of the most photographed bridges from the Civil War.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

For more information on Burnside Bridge, please check out https://www.nps.gov/places/antietam-battlefield-burnside-bridge.htm

A video about this bridge can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJIEnwGTILI