September 17, 1862, would see more than 23,000 casualties during the Battle of Antietam. Forever after the day would be known as the bloodiest day in American history. The ground of “Bloody Lane,” above, was strewn with the fallen from both sides. Though the battle was indeed a Union victory and the Confederate Army fell into a limping retreat, an overly cautious General George McClellan let them retreat unpursued. Abraham Lincoln himself traveled to Antietam to spur Union movement, but McClellan argued against pressing on. Lincoln ordered him to advance; 19 days later he “had a man across the river,” recalled an unsatisfied Lincoln. On November 5th, Lincoln ordered McClellan relieved of command.