“Never Forget”—Remembering 9/11 and the Lesson of Antietam (2025)
It has become my custom on 9/11 to think back to a different day during a different September when America suffered an even more catastrophic loss of life. As I first explained in 2012, the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 17, 1862, have become inextricably linked in my mind. In recognition of both events—and as a continuing cautionary tale against forgetting either of them—I offer a repost of a reflection I put up during ECW’s first year, Remembering 9/11 and the Lesson of Antietam.
This year, in the wake of so much political violence in America, I think it’s especially important for us to remember where such violence can ultimately lead, as 2001 and 1862 both poignantly illustrate.
The photo with Chris’ note is one of the most dramatic of the war, in my opinion, yet I have never seen it accompanied with an explanation of the action that took place here. Does anyone have information? At what time of day was the engagement? To what regiment did these Confederates belong? Which Federal unit engaged them? From what direction did the Federals come viz a viz the photos – right, left, top, bottom?
There’s a good analysis in William Frassanito’s seminal “Antietam: The Photographic Legacy of America’s Bloodiest Day.”
I believe the Confederate dead are just to the west of the pike near what is now the Philadelphia Brigade park. The Union forces would have been coming from the north toward the camera or possibly from the east to the right
Thanks for sharing this again, Chris. You were spot on in 2012, and even more so in 2025. I have enjoyed learning about our history all of my life. I’m 78 now, but it was only 30 years ago when I learned my Great Grandfather and 14 other ancestors fought for the Confederacy. Since then I have been learning everything I can about the Civil War. I am sad to say that my children and grandchildren do not share my passion for learning about and remembering our past. And now, that is the norm rather than the exception. Sad, indeed.
Perhaps they’ll grow to appreciate it more over time, just as you did. Don’t give up hope! I firmly believe that people “age into” history; they understand it and appreciate it more as they get older. I certainly have!