Aug 18: The Cradle of The Civil War 7

Harpers Ferry, in Jefferson County, WV, is a scenic and historically vital town. The U.S. National Park Service website has—I think—by far the best chronological description of the part played by Harpers Ferry in the American Civil War. (https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/historyculture/h…)

Harpers Ferry emerged in 1859 onto the national stage when the radical abolitionist John Brown and a small band of followers raided the U.S. armoury in an unsuccessful attempt to ignite a slave insurrection.

Before the war, 3,000 people lived and worked in the prosperous industrial town of Harpers Ferry. Benefitting from abundant natural resources and situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, this area was advertised as “one of the best situations in the United States for factories.” The town’s largest source of industry, the United States Armory, had over 20 factory buildings and 400 employees. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and (its industrial competition) the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal also provided a steady flow of people and commerce throughout the town. These assets made the town strategically important to both sides during the war.

With the federal armoury that had been established there and its crucial location at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Harpers Ferry, was a vital transportation and strategic point for both armies. The Battle of Harpers Ferry, fought from September 12-15, 1862, was a significant Civil War engagement in which Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson led a successful assault, resulting in the largest surrender of U.S. troops during the war.

For the invasion of Maryland, Confederate General Robert E. Lee had divided his army (a big risk) to capture Harpers Ferry and secure his supply lines back to Virginia. Union Colonel Dixon S. Miles maintained his main forces in and around Harpers Ferry, but failing to secure the commanding heights surrounding the town. Jackson's forces established themselves on the adjacent (now Bolivar) heights and effectively surrounded the Union garrison. The Confederate force bombarded the hapless Yankees and launched an infantry attack. After a council of war, the Union forces surrendered, with the final arrangements being made by Brigadier General Julius White after Colonel Miles was mortally wounded by a Confederate shell. The battle resulted in the capture of over 12,700 Union troops and 13,000 arms, a record for the largest surrender of U.S. forces in the war. This victory secured Lee's supply lines during the Maryland Campaign and allowed him to continue his northern incursion.もっと詳しく