The town itself located along the Rappahannock River was a crucial battle in the Union push toward the Confederate Army's capital in Richmond, Virginia. The battle lasted for a period of five days and ended on December 15, 1862. The events leading up to and shaping the battle occurred throughout the year and culminated in November, deep in the harsh winter months. Union forces defeated the Confederate Army at the Battle of Antietam; they pushed General Lee's forces south, but did not advance despite the president's repeated requests. “The hard fighting and rapid march of the 1862 campaign had significantly reduced the army's strength, and the defeat at Antietam on September 17 had greatly affected its morale. Despite the opportunity presented to the Federal Army, McClellan remained north of the Potomac, regaining his strength in his slow and methodical way, all the while fending off President Lincoln's repeated calls for action." (Runals,