The afternoon phase of the Battle of Antietam unfolded with the Union’s push against the Confederate right flank at Burnside’s Bridge, spanning Antietam Creek. Initial delays and confusion caused Union General Ambrose E. Burnside’s assault to arrive drastically late. Lee united his troops with those of Jackson’s in the North, after which Burnside advanced forward where he was faced with fewer than five hundred Georgia sharpshooters at what came to be known as Burnside Bridge. The opposing men converted the bridge into a battlefield during which Burnside would spend more than three hours trying to force a crossing of the creek. With their ammunition all but exhausted, the Confederate defenders were driven back by a Federal bayonet charge and
