The Antietam battlefield played a crucial role in demonstrating the importance of high ground in military strategy.

Key locations, such as Cemetery Hill and Little Round Top, provided significant advantages for defensive positions, allowing Union troops to effectively repel Confederate assaults. Control of high ground allowed for better visibility, strategic planning, and effective use of artillery. The battle illustrated how terrain could influence tactical decisions and outcomes, reinforcing the idea that commanding elevated positions was vital for success in battle, a lesson that would resonate in future military engagements.