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Daniel J. Vermilya
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That Field of Blood: The Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862 (Emerging Civil War Series) Kindle Edition

by Daniel Vermilya (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 74 ratings
Explore the sites of the American Civil War’s Battle of Antietam and its history with this extensive guide.

September 17, 1862—one of the most consequential days in the history of the United States—was a moment in time when the future of the country could have veered in two starkly different directions.

Confederates under General Robert E. Lee had embarked upon an invasion of Maryland, threatening to achieve a victory on Union soil that could potentially end the Civil War in Southern Independence. Lee’s opponent, Major General George McClellan, led the Army of the Potomac to stop Lee’s campaign. In Washington D.C., President Lincoln eagerly awaited news from the field, knowing that the future of freedom for millions was at stake. Lincoln had resolved that, should Union forces win in Maryland, he would issue his Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

All this hung in the balance on September 17: the day of the battle of Antietam.

The fighting near Sharpsburg, Maryland, that day would change the course of American history, but in the process, it became the costliest day this nation has ever known, with more than 23,000 men falling as casualties.

Join historian Daniel J. Vermilya to learn more about America’s bloodiest day, and how it changed the United States forever in That Field of Blood.

“I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Battle of Antietam…. Vermilya is a fine author who has done a great service to this series.” —Gettysburg Chronicle

“A meticulous and impressively informative read, That Field of Blood is a very highly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library American Civil War History collections and supplemental studies lists.” —Midwest Book Review

“A very good job presenting conclusions and providing a springboard for further discussion about the campaign and its historical consequences. That is what a good historian should do.” —Civil War News

“Buy it, read it, think about it...then go to the battlefield. I've always stressed that standing in the very spot where significant historical events took place is essential when attempting to take in the full scale of the history. On the battlefield, That Field of Blood would make a great companion to the experience.” —The Rogue Historian
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  1. Part of series
    Emerging Civil War
  2. Print length
    189 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Savas Beatie
  5. Publication date
    September 19, 2017
  6. File size
    43.5 MB
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A meticulous and impressively informative read, "That Field of Blood" is a very highly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library American Civil War History collections and supplemental studies lists.”
James Cox, Midwest Book Review June 2018

About the Author

Daniel J. Vermilya is a Civil War historian who works as a park ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park. He has previously worked as a park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield and Monocacy National Battlefield and is also a licensed battlefield guide at Antietam. He is the author of The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and James Garfield and the Civil War. He lives in Frederick, Maryland, with his wife Alison.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07DHPDJXH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Savas Beatie (September 19, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 19, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 43.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 189 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 74 ratings

About the author

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Daniel J. Vermilya

Daniel J. Vermilya

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Daniel Vermilya is a Civil War historian who works as a park ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park. He has previously worked as a park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield, where he is currently a licensed battlefield guide. In 2012 he was the first recipient of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation's Joseph L. Harsh Memorial Scholar Award. Daniel received his bachelor's degree from Hillsdale College, where he studied both history and politics. He also holds a master's degree in history from John Carroll University. He has previously done volunteer work for the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio. A native of Ohio, Daniel currently resides in Maryland with his wife Alison.

Daniel posts regularly on his Civil War blog "Our Country's Fiery Ordeal" (www.fieryordeal.blogspot.com) as well as the blog site associated with his book on Kennesaw Mountain, www.kennesawmountain.wordpress.com.

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4.6 out of 5 stars
74 global ratings

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Customers find the book provides an excellent overview of the Battle of Antietam, with one review noting its clear flow of events. They appreciate its readability, with one customer describing it as an easy-to-understand overview.

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5 customers mention "Overview"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's overview of the Battle of Antietam, with one customer noting it provides an excellent job describing the flow of the battle, while another mentions it offers a thorough study without getting bogged down in details.

"Like most of the books in this series this is just a basic overview of the campaign and battle, it’s not meant to be a in-depth study...." Read more

"...It does an excellent job describing the flow of the battle and challenges long held historiographic beliefs of the battle." Read more

"...It does not bog down into details that Civil War nerds enjoy, but a person planning to visit the Antietam Battlefield will profit from reading this..." Read more

"Outstanding read. In depth review of the Battle at Antietam Creek, but an easy read. A look at both side of battle. Highly recommended." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand, with one customer noting it provides a basic overview of the Battle of Antietam.

"...who are just starting their studies of the battle, as the author provides a basic, and easy to understand overview of the whole campaign...." Read more

"This book is an excellent way for the reader to introduction to the campaign, battlefield, and key players involved...." Read more

"Outstanding read. In depth review of the Battle at Antietam Creek, but an easy read. A look at both side of battle. Highly recommended." Read more

"Awesome book. Very well done." Read more

An Excellent Read - Highly recommended by this Licensed Battlefield Guide
5 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Read - Highly recommended by this Licensed Battlefield Guide
“That Field of Blood: The Battle of Antietam” by Dan Vermilya is without a doubt one of the most balanced presentations of the 1862 Battle of Antietam that I have read. Not only is it a great overview of the battle but it is concise. It is one of the most balanced interpretations of the battle since the work of the late Dr Joseph Harsh. Dan has done extensive research in to the actual, documented troop strength for the Union forces and incorporates that information into this work. Vermilya does an excellent job of debunking many of the myths generated by 20th century historians about the command and control of the Union forces. Many of these errors originated with veterans of the battle that had no knowledge of the battle plan initiated by MG George B McClellan. This refreshing explanation of the battle is a great read for those of any age seeking to understand the events of that sanguine day in September 1862. The author also presents the material in a manor that invites readers ranging from the casual novice of the war to the most enthusiastic Civil War buff. The book includes excellent maps that are easy to interpret and aid in understanding the flow of the battle. An epilogue on the Emancipation Proclamation (precipitated by the Union victory at Antietam) is a nice touch as are the appendices on the Presidential visits to Antietam; the History of the Antietam Battlefield; as well as the usual Order of Battle. Constructively speaking, I must agree with another reviewer who aptly pointed out that many of the images included in the book are of insufficient scale and/or contrast to appreciate. Perhaps this may be remedied in another edition. Great job, Dan! Gary W Rohrer, NPS Certified Antietam, Harpers Ferry, and South Mountain Battlefield Guide
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Joe Jacobs
    5.0 out of 5 stars Informative
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Like most of the books in this series this is just a basic overview of the campaign and battle, it’s not meant to be a in-depth study. I would recommend for students who are just starting their studies of the battle, as the author provides a basic, and easy to understand overview of the whole campaign. Such a basic understanding is necessary for more advanced study in the future.

    As for a tour guide I liked that he included the location of the visitor centers at Harpers Ferry and South Mountain. I was not aware they had one at South Mountain. The next time I visit Antietam I shall have to make a stop there.

    I also enjoyed that the author didn’t fall back on old stereotypes about the battle and it’s leaders, especially George McClellan, giving him credit were credit is long overdue.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Sherri1225
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2023
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    This book is an excellent way for the reader to introduction to the campaign, battlefield, and key players involved. It does an excellent job describing the flow of the battle and challenges long held historiographic beliefs of the battle.
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  • Mike Hardy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful Overview and Guide
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book provides a helpful overview of the 1862 Maryland Campaign. It does not bog down into details that Civil War nerds enjoy, but a person planning to visit the Antietam Battlefield will profit from reading this book. The well done maps and well- chosen photographs of then and now add a helpful dimension.
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  • Peter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough study of one of the signal moments in the civil war.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A lot of information, history and pictures in a modest (149 pages) book. Actual pictures of participants, locations and the sketches by Alfred Waud brings this history to life. Any Civil War buff should check out the “Emerging Civil War Series”.
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  • j.kojack
    5.0 out of 5 stars A bloody day
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
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    Outstanding read. In depth review of the Battle at Antietam Creek, but an easy read. A look at both side of battle. Highly recommended.
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  • Donald Hosey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2018
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    Awesome book. Very well done.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • robin friedman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Antietam In The Emerging Civil War Series
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2018
    The Emerging Civil War Series publishes short accounts of major events in the Civil War that are designed to be accessible to a broad public as well as making a contribution to scholarship. Daniel Vermilia's recent contribution to the series "That Field of Blood: The Battle Of Antietam, September 17, 1862, fulfills both these goals and more. Vermilya is a licensed battlefield guide at Antietam and has worked as a park ranger at Antietam, Monocacy, and Gettysburg. His lucidly and clearly written book offers readers a good basic understanding of the Antietam campaign, the battle, and its significance. Vermilya also addresses several controversial issues in studying the battle and does not shy away from offering his own perspective. The book may be read while touring the Antietam Battlefield or away from the field in one's home to gain an overview of the battle.

    Fought on September 17, 1862, Antietam was the bloodiest day in American history with over 23,000 casualties (dead, injured, missing). Vermilya had an ancestor who fought and died at Antietam. He writes movingly about the carnage and the horror of the battle and displays passion for his subject as well as knowledge. The book also recognizes the historical significance of the battle in giving President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation and in helping to keep the European powers from recognizing the Confederacy.

    The first two chapters of this book offer a brief overview of the Maryland Campaign, resulting from Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North. (Lee's second invasion resulted in the Battle of Gettysburg, nine months after Antietam). This material is complex and important to understanding the battle. The background offered in this book is short, but essential.

    Most of the book deals with the battle itself, which pitted the Army of the Potomac of George B. McClellan against Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Vermilya's account and driving tour cover the major actions of the 12-hour battle from the Cornfield to the Sunken Road to Burnside's Bridge, to the last-minute arrival of troops from Harpers Ferry which saved the Confederate Army. The story is told simply with less detail and confusion that are found in longer histories of the battle. Vermilya's text is enhanced by many images and maps which give the reader a connection to the action and which clarily the flow of the battle. The book is also enhanced by many quotations from participants at Antietam, particularly from soldiers on the ground. I had a feeling of sadness in reading this book as Vermilya emphasizes throughout the terrible human costs of Antietam. The concluding sections in the book discuss Lee's retreat from Antietam and the aftermath and significance of the battle. Appendices discuss various aspects of the history of the Antietam Battlefield.

    Vermilya's book also addresses some of the controversial issues surrounding Antietam in ways that will be useful both to newcomers and to those familiar with the literature surrounding the battle. He raises several issues, two of which are highly important. First, Vermilya characterizes the battle as a clear-cut Union victory rather than as the tactical draw as it is more frequently portrayed. He argues that the Army of Northern Virginia was defeated at every turn on the battlefield and was forced to leave the field and withdraw to Virginia just as Lee was forced to leave the field and withdraw a day after the Battle of Gettysburg.

    The second and closely related point involves the assessment of Union General George B. McClellan's performance. Many students of the battle are highly critical of McClellan for his conduct of the Maryland Campaign and the Battle of Antietam. They argue that more aggressive, committed leadership would have resulted in a clearer victory, perhaps including the destruction of the Confederate Army and the end of the war. While acknowledging McClellan's faults, Vermilya praises McClellan's conduct of the battle and the results he achieved. Vermilya tries hard to put himself into McClellan's position to understand and support most of the decisions McClellan made. In some ways, Vermilya makes a good case but not a case that is likely to satisfy every informed reader. The critical point for Vermilya is that McClellan's task was at all costs to keep Lee out of the North and to compel him to retreat to Virginia, and McClellan did that.

    I enjoyed thinking about Antietam again through Vermilya's book. His book will appeal to newcomers to the battle and to informed readers. The battle of Antietam and the Civil War in general will repay much thought and much revisiting.
    The publisher of this book, Savas Beatie, kindly sent me a review copy.

    Robin Friedman
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  • Militarybooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended by Tennessee Valley CWRT
    Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2018
    Review by David Lady
    This is a short and useful guide to the Battlefield of Antietam. Author Daniel Vermilya of the National Park Service has provided very useful driving and walking directions (including GPS coordinates of sites) for touring the battlefield, as well as careful directions to some of the sites traveled and fought over by the opposing armies in the days leading up to Antietam’s battle.
    He has briefly yet clearly described the course of the campaign and the battle. Descriptions of the senior commanders and their goals are provided, and of the composition of both armies. First-hand accounts from the letters and reports of combatants and civilians emphasize bring out the human tragedy of this bloody battle. The maps are very attractive, although compressing so many troop movements into a very few maps makes for almost too many “squares and arrows” on each, sometimes making it difficult to track the narrative to the map. Each chapter is concluded with detailed descriptions and directions to some of the most prominent sites mentioned in the chapter. Although there are larger and more detailed Antietam battlefield guides, I recommend this one to anyone making a first visit or bringing friends and family members with a more casual interest in the battle for a day tour.
    There is more to this book than a useful driving and walking guide. This author takes on several of the myths that have grown up in the century and half since the battle. His examination of these myths provides some of the most interesting passages in the book, and should prompt reconsideration of some of the old stories, even if you do not accept all of his arguments.
    Mr. Vermilya provides more accurate figures from original sources to show that as the battle began McClellan had about 48,000 men of the battlefield compared to Lee’s 30,000. Yes, the Confederates were outnumbered, but not nearly by the “80,000” still listed in popular general histories and textbooks today. Also, the author points out the qualitative advantages that Lee’s army possessed over McClellan’s army that day; the Federal army had been formed from elements of four different armies barely two-weeks prior to the battle and fully a quarter of the Union regiments were fighting their first battle. Opposing them was a veteran army with commanders experienced in working together.
    The author also disputes the story of Federal tactical defeat on the battlefield. By the end of day, September 17, 1862, Lee’s men were driven from all but one position that they had held in the morning, and had suffered crippling losses. They withdrew from the battlefield and from Maryland two days later. A string of victorious campaigns and battles that began in late June, 1862 had ended; The Confederates were back on the defensive in Virginia, and would remain so for almost nine months.
    The author provides a final chapter on the enduring importance of the Battle of Antietam: it provided President Lincoln “victory enough” to announce the Emancipation Proclamation that abolished slavery in all territory still under Confederate control. He points out the consequences of this proclamation to popular morale in both the north and the south, as well as the importance of this shifting of United States wartime goals to the non-intervention decisions made by the great European powers in 1862-63.
    This is more than a battlefield guide. It is worth your time to read this book and consider it arguments.
    - Posted at the request of Tennessee Valley CWRT
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • tecumseh
    5.0 out of 5 stars It was rain, with fire forbidden, thinking about next day ,souldiers would have not slept , for many ,on the last night.
    Reviewed in Japan on June 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The great battles would have been happened on the following day. At last ,they could see ridge lines in dimny dawn light. At 6 a.m, they started to fight in the Cornfield,in the West woods, in the Sunken road, on the Burnside brigade. One brigade had liquidated, another would have run into the fields where the deads and woundeds were scattering everywhere.
    These Civil War series should be the best books ,I think and recommend, and the first books for beginner students to read and learn the American Civil War.
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  • Gitta from the South
    3.0 out of 5 stars A gift, not read myself.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 25, 2019
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    A gift, well received.
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