Battle of Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, USA
What happened
Confederate troops under Stonewall Jackson faced the Union garrison commanded by Colonel Dixon S. Miles. While Lee's army was spread out in Maryland, Jackson's forces surrounded the town of Harpers Ferry. After his guns fired on the Union positions, the garrison raised a white flag on 15 September. More than 12,000 Union soldiers were taken prisoner, the largest Union surrender of the war.
Why it matters
The capture secured Lee's supply line. It also freed Jackson's troops to rejoin Lee just before the Battle of Antietam.
What came next
Jackson led most of his men to Sharpsburg, leaving A.P. Hill's division to finish occupying the town.
Did you know?
Many Confederate soldiers swapped their worn clothes for fresh blue Union uniforms taken at Harpers Ferry.
Timeline
- 12 Sep 1862Jackson's troops begin to surround Harpers Ferry.
- 14 Sep 1862Battle of South Mountain is fought nearby.
- 15 Sep 1862The Union garrison surrenders.
- 17 Sep 1862Battle of Antietam.