September 2026 Header Image: Antietam

This month’s header image commemorates the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. Fought on September 17, 1862 the Battle of Antietam proved to be the deadliest single day in American history. This photograph of an unnamed Union cavalry soldier and his horse was taken by Alexander Gardner sometime after the battle.

Check out these articles from ECW contributors on the Battle of Antietam:

• Confederate Leadership at the Battle of Sharpsburg, a series by JoAnna McDonald
• “Historical Contingencies” at Antietam, by Evan Portman
• Stephen D. Lee Battalion – Antietam, by Phill Greenwalt
• “Rally, Boys, Rally!”: Captain Hugh Irish and the Battle of Antietam, by ECW guest author Danny Brennan