In terms of casualties, the fighting on Sept. 17, 1862, represented the largest loss reported on one day. Over 24,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. Assigned to the Alabama brigade of Robert E. Rodes, the 12th Alabama Regiment had already lost heavily in the Battle of Boonsboro MD, Sept. 14, 1862. Col. Bristor B. Gayle was killed and Lieut. Col. Samuel B. Pickens was wounded and captured that day on South Mountain.

In the Battle of Sharpsburg MD, Sept. 17, 1862, the 12th Alabama was stationed near the brigade's left along the Sunken Lane. Capt. Exton Tucker was killed leading the regiment, and by the end of the day the position became known as Bloody Lane. This interactive website will link to maps showing regiments of this brigade and Anderson's North Carolina brigade defending the lane.
http://antietam.aotw.org/officers.php?unit_id=546

Click on Bloody Lane within this website for images --
http://schwartz.eng.auburn.edu/ACW/ant.html

According to his service record, William J. Coffey (Caffey) of Weogufka was wounded in the shoulder on Sept. 17th. More detail concerning the "Coosa Independents", Co. "B", 12th Alabama Regiment, can be found in Wayne wood's book about his ancestor, "The Marble valley Boys."