Harpers Ferry
Civil War West Virginia

American Civil War
September 12-15 1862

Learning that the garrison at Harpers Ferry had not retreated after his incursion into Maryland, General Robert E. Lee decided to surround the force and capture it.

He divided his army into four columns, three of which converged upon and invested Harpers Ferry. On September 15, after Confederate artillery was placed on the heights overlooking the town, Union commander Col. Miles surrendered the garrison of more than 12,000.

Miles was mortally wounded by a last salvo fired from a battery on Loudoun Heights.  Jackson took possession of Harpers Ferry, then led most of his soldiers to join with Lee at Sharpsburg.

After paroling the prisoners at Harpers Ferry, A.P. Hill's division arrived in time to save Lee's army from near-defeat at Sharpsburg.

Result(s): Confederate victory

Location: Jefferson County

Campaign: Maryland Campaign (September 1862) next battle in campaign

Date(s): September 12-15, 1862

Principal Commanders: Col. Dixon S. Miles [US]; Major General Thomas J. Jackson [CS]

Forces Engaged: Corps

Estimated Casualties: 12,922 total (US 44k/173w/12,419 captured; CS 39k/247w)

Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, before the battle.

Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, after the battle.

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Civil War History West Virginia Book Club Reading Titles


To most history travelers, Virginia IS the Civil War. It is the state where the Battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, the Wilderness, and Manassas took place. The city of Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy. Appomattox saw the surrender of Lee to Grant. The campaigns that were fought here were led by some of the war's most visible leaders_Lee, Jackson, Grant, Meade, Sheridan, Stuart, Mosby.

This guide also includes West Virginia, which was created from a section of Virginia early in the war.



Loyal West Virginia 1861-1865

From John Brown's inflammatory raid at Harper's Ferry to the first land battle at Philippi, and through the surrender of McNeill's Rangers at the end of the war, Civil War in West Virginia looks at the skirmishes, battles, and politics that shaped West Virginia'a role in the Civil War. With extensive maps, photographs, and historical documents, this book thoroughly chronicles the major activities which took place in the Restored Government of Virginia" as the state was called after its secession from Virginia.

Images of the Civil War in West Virginia
This amazing book has over 475 photographs, images, and drawings – all made during the Civil War or very soon thereafter, and all related to West Virginia. This is the largest collection of images ever put together on West Virginia during the war. In addition to photos, it includes broadsides, veteran reunions, and miscellaneous paper items. Many of these pictures are from private collections and have never before been published. Also includes a short chronology of battles and events, giving a reference for the images. The book is printed on high quality glossy paper. A must for all Civil War buffs


Charleston West Virginia City History and Current Weather and Information


Volcano Pictures and Glossary


Sources:
U.S. National Park Service
U.S. Library of Congress.