Both sides dealt with the aftermath of the Battle of Antietam through mass graves.

The staggering toll of around 22,000 casualties rendered it unfeasible to perform individual burials for each soldier. Both Union and Confederate troops frequently resorted to interring the deceased in mass graves to cope with the immense challenge. The disorder of the battlefield and the pressing need to handle the bodies resulted in swift and undignified burials. Subsequently, national cemeteries were created to pay tribute to the fallen and offer appropriate memorials, acknowledging the profound loss of life that occurred during the battle.