The Afternoon phase of the battle took place at the famous Burnside Bridge. The fighting here was key to McClellan's failure to win the day.

General Burnside's attack was to take place in the early morning at the same time that Hooker charged from the North Woods. Burnside hesitated. His 12,000 men were held up by only 400 tough Georgians under Gen. Robert A.Toombs.

Burnside's men finally got across the creek. But, just in the nick of time after a 17 mile march to the battle, Gen. A.P. Hill in his bright red shirt and his 3,000 men attacked Burnside and smashed his Corp. As night fell, the Union withdrew.

• View from the other side
• Maddie on the Bridge
• Larger photo of the Bridge
• Marker near the bridge