Battle of South Mountain

The Battle of South Mountain, fought on September 14, 1862, during the American Civil War, was a key Confederate attempt to prevent Union forces from advancing into Maryland. Union troops attacked Confederate positions along mountain passes in Western Maryland, aiming to break through and push toward the Confederate capital, Richmond. Despite some fierce fighting and heavy casualties, the Union succeeded in gaining control of the mountain passes, which helped set the stage for the subsequent Battle of Antietam. The victory boosted Union morale and weakened Confederate resistance in the region.