The Battle of Antietam in September 1862?

Answer 1

The Battle of Antietam, Maryland, in September 1862 was the south's attempt to take Washington and end the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. The southern army had not been defeated in any important battle up to that date and they felt they could take their initiative right to the capital. If they could topple the Lincoln government, they felt certain that England, France and other important countries would support their independence.

The plan did not work out. Instead, what has been called the 'single bloodiest day in American history' ensued. General George McClellan quickly organized the Army of the Potomac into a defensive position. On September 17, the Union began a series of attacks which slowly moved the Confederates back toward the river. Very little ground was gained and the fighting ended after 12 hours. 23,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing in that short time. Casualties were about equal on both sides. The next day General Lee pulled his men back to Virginia.

This is generally regarded as a Union victory, but it might be more accurate to say that the Union survived the battle.