Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Capture of Harpers Ferry
No. 5
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007
1. Capture of Harpers Ferry Marker
No. 5
Capture of Harpers Ferry September 15, 1862 No. 5 At daylight, September 15, three Batteries of Jackson's Division delivered a severe fire against the right of the Bolivar Heights defense. Ewell's Batteries opened from School House Hill in front. Hill's five Batteries on ground commanding the left of the line and the 10 guns across the Shenandoah poured an accurate enfilade fire upon the left and rear of Miles' defenses. The Artillery on Loudoun Heights and Maryland Heights, joined the attack. This concentrated fire of 58 guns was responded to by the Union guns but, in an hour, beginning to run short of ammunition Miles raised the white flag in token of surrender. Soon after he was mortally wounded and the command devolved on General White who completed the terms of capitulation by the surrender of about 12,500 Officers and men and all public property. Hill's Division was left to parole the prisoners, while Jackson with five Divisions marched to the field of Antietam. Exclusive of the loss on Maryland Heights, the Union loss was 9 killed, 39 wounded; Confederate loss 6 killed, 69 wounded.
Erected by Antietam Battlefield Board. (Marker Number No. 5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil
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Location. 39° 19.381′ N, 77° 43.744′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is on South Potomac Street, on the right when traveling east. Located on just past the railroad overpass, at the overlook to the juncture of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Capture of Harpers Ferry (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Capture of Harpers Ferry (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Capture of Harpers Ferry (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Capture of Harpers Ferry (a few steps from this marker); John Brown Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Where Three National Trails Meet (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Travel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Race to the Ohio (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.
Regarding Capture of Harpers Ferry. This is one of five tablets at Harpers Ferry describing
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007
2. Five War Department Tablets at The Point of Harpers Ferry
Also see . . . 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry. From the National Parks Service. (Submitted on October 12, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
The Capture and Execution of John Brown: A tale of Martyrdom by Elijah Avey
3. The Capture of Harpers Ferry Markers
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 11, 2007
4. Murphy Farm
Hill's Division moved into a position flanking the Federal line on Bolivar Heights (in the background) on the night of the 13th.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007
5. Surrender Area
On the low ground behind Bolivar Heights, the Federal troops formed and were reviewed by Gen. Jackson as part of the formal surrender.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,707 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 26, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 4, 5. submitted on October 12, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
