One of the first uses of photography during the Civil War at Antietam was battlefield documentation.

The Battle of Antietam fought on September 17, 1862, was one of the earliest instances where photographers captured the brutal realities of war, providing stark images of the battlefield, soldiers, and casualties. Photographers like Matthew Brady and his team documented the aftermath, showcasing the grim consequences of combat. These images played a pivotal role in bringing the harsh realities of war to the public, shaping public perception and sentiment regarding the conflict, and influencing support for the war effort in the North.