History
The term "Antietam" is thought to be a derivative of an Algonquian phrase meaning "swift-flowing stream".
The creek is noted for numerous well-preserved stone arch bridges dating to the 19th century that still traverse the creek, the most famous of which is the 125-foot-long (38 m) Burnside's Bridge in the Antietam National Battlefield.
The creek was a major topographic feature during the Battle of Antietam (called the Battle of Sharpsburg in the American South), fought on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg. Burnside's Bridge became a major focus of combat as Union forces under General Ambrose Burnside repeatedly tried to capture the bridge from Confederate forces guarding the crossing from a high bluff overlooking the creek. The day of the battle is known as "the day Antietam Creek ran red" due to the blood of thousands of Union casualties mixing with the creek waters.
Read more about this topic: Antietam Creek
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—Jonathan Raban (b. 1942)
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