Scenario # 4, Sharpsburg MD – 17 September 1862

Historical Summary & Scenario Situation.
The Battle at Sharpsburg Maryland still, in the 21st Century, rates as the bloodiest day of battle on the American continent. It was a hard contest with many pivotal events. However, none are so dramatic as the arrival of AP Hill’s “Light Division” at the battle’s apex to save the day for the battered Army of Northern Virginia.  This scenario tries to recreate that set of unique circumstances to see how difficult the task was to “save the day” even once the Light Division arrives. The Union Divisions of Rodman and Willcox are somewhat fresh and unbloodied. Can the forces remaining to the Confederacy really save the day or was this classic battlefield event unique to intangible human factors that were at work in September 1862.

This scenario starts with the advance of the Union IX Corps against DR Jones Division defending Sharpsburg.  The ANVa is hoping for reinforcements but have no knowledge of AP Hill’s status.  The two teams in this scenario play the forces of Generals DR Jones, AP Hill, and the five Union attacking brigades from the IX Corps.  The game lasts 6 turns representing the focus of the battle on the southern approaches to Sharpsburg.

Scenario Victory Conditions.
Victory is determined by possession of the Junction Hex in Sharpsburg. The determination of the scenario winner is done at the end of T6.

Historical Results.
The lead three brigades, Gregg, Archer, & Branch, of AP Hill’s division caught the Union assault in the open flank. The green troops of Rodman’s division fled the field and the death of Rodman eliminated all chance of a rally. A true miracle had saved the Army of Northern Virginia to fight again another day.

Special Instructions.
The following entry restrictions apply for all units marching strategically into Sharpsburg MD (scenario #4):

Union - there is no strategic movement  into or out of the Sharpsburg square.
CSA - ENTRY commands must be between 21-18 to 21-41

Additionally, no units are allowed to go into breastworks (form: bw command).
Any deliberate violation of this restriction is grounds for a forfeit by the offending team.

Reference URLs:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18&n=4369685&e=263652&s=50&symshow=n&loc=Sharpsburg
http://www.nps.gov/anti/afternon.htm