The Terminator of Antietam at THE BLOODY LANE | History Traveler Episode 251

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I got to visit Antietam a few years ago. Midweek, no one around. A crisp fall morning, with some fog wafting gently, everything damp and soft. I walked the fields and trails with interest, and then I found myself upon Bloody Lane. I'd seen the images of that day, and they came to me, true and immediately. I was astounded by the overwhelming feeling of sadness, horror, and loss in that ditch. It was like I could feel every soul lost on that field within myself. It was all I could do to not weep openly. I could not stay longer.

“It is well that war is so terrible–we would grow too fond of it!” Robert E. Lee

My great great grandpa served in the 7th West Virginia of French's Division at Antietam. He was one of three ancestors that participated in the battle, two Union and one Confederate. He was initially reported as KIA at Bloody Lane but was actually alive and well and served with the regiment all the way to Appomattox.

I'm a direct descendant of John B. Gordon, and share the last name. Loved this video. Thanks for giving my ancestor the respect he deserves!

I hope you understood what you do for people with these videos. Not only are they super educational but you take us to places a lot of us don’t have time/money to go to. I can totally relax and allow you to take me back in time and for that I can’t thank you enough . Thank you

Completely crazy about John B Gordon getting hit that many times and still survives the war. I love how they still put up those old-style rail fence lines along the sunken road. Really gives an authentic feel

I’ve read about the sunken road in many soldier memoir’s ….really cool to see it! And the story of General Gordon? WOW! Hopefully he was thanking God for the rest of his life!

I remember in high school history was my absolutely favorite class to take. The thing I love about your videos is you explain very well and it's more in depth than what you would get in a book. You actually go to the sites where history was made.

Watching your videos is like being immersed in a good book, it took me a second to emerge into present day. Fascinating work, thank you

we visited there in 2002 while I was finishing the US Army War College. I had parked the car and began walking down into the sunken road when I realized I was alone. My wife was standing next to the road refusing to move. I walked back and asked what was wrong. "What happened here" she asked. I pulled out my history book and showed her pictures of the carnage of this battle site. She said "I smell blood and death. Blood and death." So we got in the car and drove back to the visitors center. Antietam was a massive battle, and the Bloody Lane is arguably the hardest part of it. Thank you for this video.

I can't believe someone in that day and age could survive that many wounds. Not just because of the volume of injuries, but because of how dirty the tools and everything used to treat the wounded. There weren't any sterile hospitals on the battlefields. Im just amazed. Thanks for keeping history alive on this channel. I'm from Pennsylvania, and Ive only been to Gettysburg. I'm definitely hoping to visit Antietam some day.

After finding one of your videos a few months ago, I jumped in and have just caught up on all 250 of them( as well as all the American Artifacts) I want to thank you deeply and sincerely for what you are doing, JD. These videos have taught me so much that I never learned in school. Walking around the actual spots where history happened brings a whole new level of, well, realness to it all and gets me emotional. It’s so important we don’t forget history or the immense sacrifices so many have made. I love your level of humbleness, excitement and reverence for these places and the history that still lives there, not to mention the humor you add when appropriate. Once again, thank you so much, can’t wait for more! 🙏🏻

Unbelievable what the men on both sides put themselves through. Such heros.

General John B Gordon was absolutely tough as a titanium plate. Horribly wounded at bloody lane but survived .What a great general..

I visited Antietam years ago. Of all the Civil War battlefields I have seen, it was the most beautiful. A relatively small area that can be toured in a day if you are familiar with the history. The rangers were very helpful in explaining the battle. The heavy casualties for this day, approximately 25,000, were the result of the large number of men in a compact battleground with a large amount of artillery firing continuously from both sides. A real hellscape.

That story is awesome. What a tough man. Gordon is really one to rember.

The History Underground channel is top notch.

Being a history and civil war nut I think the research you do is amazing. I am learning a lot about the Civil War.

Nice presentation. I visited this site a few years ago. My wife and I were the only ones there. I climbed the tower and walked the lane imagining what it’d be like fighting hand to hand. Truly amazing part of our history.