Sculpted by Gary Casteel
 
1863 Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Monument Replicas
 
At daybreak on September 17, 1862, General Issac Peace Rodman’s Division, supported by Colonel Hugh B. Ewing’s Brigade of the Kanawha Division, was in position southeast of Burnside Bridge.  Before noon, the Division was on the move down the left bank of the Antietam Creek and crossed at Snavely’s Ford.  About 1 p.m., shortly after crossing, the 8th Connecticut engaged the right of General Robert A. Toomb’s Confederate Brigade and forced them from the high ground above the ford.  Pressing on, the 8th Connecticut ascended the right bank of the creek until nearly abreast of the Burnside Bridge, then formed a line against Confederate General Cadmus M. Wilcox’s Division.
 
At approximately 3 p.m., the Division advanced; Colonel Harrison S. Fairchild’s Brigade on the right of the 8th Connecticut, commanded by Colonel Harland in echelon on the left with Ewing’s Ohio Brigade in support.  Col. H.S. Fairchild’s troops gained the field near the Harpers Ferry Road and advanced northwardly smashing into the right of General D.R. Jones’ Confederate Division.  After a short but severe contest, Jones’s Division retired through the streets of Sharpsburg.
 
The 8th Connecticut had gained the high ground, however Colonel Edward Harland’s remaining two regiments while moving through a cornfield southeast of the ridge were attacked in the flank by General A.P. Hill’s Division and compelled to retire to the cover of the high ground near Burnside Bridge.
 
One of our companies went to take possession of the now deserted battery but were met by the fire of a whole Brigade of rebels who were concealed in a piece of corn behind the Guns while another rebel Brigade opened on us in front. Our boys now fought with the greatest desperation and held the ground until 173 of our number had fallen dead and wounded (We numbered 375 when we went upon the field) The rebels soon saw our situation and commenced a move to flank us and take us Prisoners before our support could reach us. Just then Col [A]ppleman fell. Gen. Rodman was shot and as Col Harland was riding across the field to order our support his horse was shot under him. The red flag of the rebs was now coming steadily upon us from three sides and in a few moments the open space between us and our friends would have been filled with foes, while our Major gave the command to retreat. But not until the order had been three times repeated did our gallant fellows obey, so busy were they with their fighting.
 
--From Letter of Henry C. Hall, 1st.Lt., Co.I, Eighth Conn. Vols. to his sister
 
The left of the Union line having been turned by the sheer force of Hill’s Confederate Division, Fairchild’s Brigade was withdrawn--first to the Sharpsburg Road, then to Burnside Bridge.  During the engagement General Rodman was mortally wounded and the command of the Division was given to Col. Edward Harland of the 8th Connecticut.
 
The Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, which had held their position until this time, now, by order of Major Ward, commanding, moved more to the right, where they were sheltered in a measure from the fire in front, and changed front, so as to reply to the enemy on the left. After a few rounds, as most of the men were out of ammunition, the order was given to fall back. On the road leading to the bridge I found part of the Eleventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. At the bridge I collected the shattered remnants of the brigade, in hopes of making a stand, but, owing to the large loss of officers and the failure of ammunition, it was impossible to render the men of any material service. I therefore conducted the brigade across the bridge, and bivouacked for the night in front of the position held by a portion of General Sykes' command.
 
--From the Official Report of Edward Harland, Colonel, Comdg. Second Brig., Third Div, Ninth Army Corps
 
The 8th Connecticut had proven itself in battle, but at a terrible loss.  Of the 400 officers and men engaged, 194, almost one-half of the unit were killed or wounded.
 
This monument was dedicated on October 8, 1894 and is located east of Harpers Ferry Road near the 9th New York Monument.