September 12, 1862---The Battle of Harper's Ferry

SEPTEMBER 12, 1862:       

The Battle Of Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. 

Stonewall Jackson and 30,000 troops of the Army of Northern Virginia seize the U.S. Federal Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry by seizing the heights around the town and armory. The Union commander, though knowing of Jackson’s approach, inexplicably chose to keep his 14,000 troops in town, ceding the high ground to the Confederates. Most of the Union men were inexperienced garrison troops. 

Though the battle lasted a full three days (September 12-15), it was mostly due to Union stubbornness; as one Union soldier wrote, “[Without the Heights, Harper’s Ferry is] as defensible as a well bottom.” 

Though Harper’s Ferry was a complete Confederate victory, and though the Confederate troops seized a cornucopia of supplies (including stocks of ammunition and food, guns and cannons), the fact that the green, outnumbered, and surrounded Union garrison held out for three full days should have given Jackson or Lee pause. It did not. 

By taking Harper’s Ferry, Lee secured his flank and his main supply route back to Virginia.