A key feature of the terrain at Antietam was its hilly landscapes.

The battlefield, located in Maryland, was characterized by rolling hills and varied elevation, which significantly influenced the tactics employed by both Union and Confederate forces during the battle on September 17, 1862. The high ground provided strategic advantages for defending troops, allowing them to observe and fire upon advancing soldiers. Key locations such as the Sunken Road and the Miller Farm were situated on elevated terrain, impacting the flow of combat. This varied topography contributed to the intense and chaotic nature of the fighting, resulting in heavy casualties.