The Supreme Sacrifice Made By The First Minnesota at the Battle of Antietam

The First Minnesota fought in the Battle of the First Manassas (First Bull Run) and 1 officer and 40 enlisted men were killed in action (KIA) or died of wounds (DOW) suffered that day.  The regiment during the Battle of Seven Pines (Battle of Fair Oaks) from May 31 to June 1, 1862, lost three men killed while on picket duty at Fair Oaks, Virginia.

Antietam Battlefield

The next major battle for the First Minnesota was the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, along Antietam Creek in Sharpsburg, Washington County, Maryland.  Called the bloodiest day in United States history with over 22,000 soldiers killed, wounded or missing.  Three general officers from the Union Army died of wounds and six were wounded in action.  Three general officers from Confederate forces died two were killed in action and one died of wounds and six were wounded in action.

Nurse Clara Barton known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” brought desperately needed supplies to the overwhelmed doctors.

The Battle of Antietam was a tactical draw, but it allowed President Abraham Lincoln to claim a strategic victory that allowed him to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

The Private Soldier Monument at Antietam Battlefield

First Minnesota Soldiers Who Made The Supreme Sacrifice

he following officer and soldiers in the First Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry were killed in action (KIA) on September 17, 1862, at the Battle of Antietam or subsequently died of wounds (DOW) suffered that day.

Company A, from Saint Paul: Sergeant John McEwen, KIA.

Company B, from Stillwater: Corporal Oscar L. Cornman, KIA; and Private John E. Goundry, KIA

Company C, from Saint Paul: Private Robert C. Simpson, KIA.

Company E, from Saint Anthony: Private William O. Taylor, KIA.

Company F, from Red Wing: Corporal Edwin Cox, KIA; Private Marcello B. Milliken, KIA.

Company H, from Hastings: Private George E. Boyce, KIA; Private Wilson Cagger, KIA; Private John G. Sholl, KIA.

Company K, from Winona: Captain Gustavus Adolphus Holtzborn, KIA; Corporal William Smith, KIA; Private William A. Martin, KIA.

Five are buried at Antietam National Cemetery.

Antietam National Cemetery

The First Minnesota would suffer more casualties as they achieved glory at the Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863.