The two key locations fought over during the Battle of Antietam were Antietam Creek and Sharpsburg.

On September 17, 1862, the Union and Confederate armies engaged in combat along Antietam Creek, mostly vying for control of the strategically important river crossings. Additionally noteworthy was the town of Sharpsburg, which was located next to the creek and provided both troops with a strategic location. Control over these areas affected troop movements and the tactics used in the fight, which in turn shaped the fight's trajectory and result.