"Antietam" (9 p.m., The History Channel): Antietam (Sept 17, 1862), the Civil War battle that left

"Antietam" (9 p.m., The History Channel): Antietam (Sept 17, 1862), the Civil War battle that left 23,000 casualties on both sides, was the bloodiest day in American history. The Union victory enabled President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, making foreign support of the Confederacy all but impossible.
"Massacre at Mystic" (10 p.m., The History Channel): The Massacre at Mystic (May 26, 1637) was the first significant clash between English settlers and Native Americans after years of relatively peaceful coexistence. Known as the Pequot War, this slaughter in Mystic, Conn., established the pattern of possessing Indian land throughout the country.
"The West Wing" (8 p.m., NBC): After a long, grueling presidential duel between make-believe Republican candidate Vinick (Alan Alda) and his pretend Democratic rival Santos (Jimmy Smits), election night concludes on "The West Wing" as the winner is decided. The neck-and-neck race takes a tragic turn with the sudden death of Santos' vice presidential running mate (who had been played by the late John Spencer). Will news of Leo McGarry's fatal heart attack tip the election in Vinick's favor?
"My Family and Other Animals" (9 p.m., PBS): This "Masterpiece Theatre" presentation is an adaptation of naturalist's Gerald Durrell's amusing memoir of his eccentric family, who in 1935 sought to escape the dreary English climate by relocating to a Greek island.
"Avenger" (8 p.m., TNT): This made-for-cable thriller starring gruff Sam Elliott as a former Special Forces operative who hires himself out to those seeking justice for the senseless murders of loved ones. Timothy Hutton and James Cromwell also star in the film, which is based on a best-seller by Frederick Forsyth.