Sharpsburg: A Civil War Narrative

The Civil War, sometimes called The American Iliad, is an epic of violence, rage, bravery, and love, whose echoes still can be heard. America’s bloodiest day was September 17, 1862–the Battle of Antietam, or Sharpsburg, which enabled President Lincoln to issue a proclamation freeing all slaves in the rebellious states. The battle’s story is told here by two soldiers: a Yankee, who fights for union, justice, and equality; and a Rebel, for whom the war is a battle for freedom. Both voices still haunt today’s struggles over race, rights, and the flag.