Near Millville in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Battle of Harpers Ferry / Jackson Arrives
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Invasion rocked the United States during the second year of the American Civil War. In September 1862 Confederate General Robert E. Lee launched his army into Maryland - the North. Lee's first target became Harpers Ferry. He ordered "Stonewall" Jackson to make the attack.
Here Jackson overcame the great obstacles, defeating the Union during a three-day battle and forcing the largest surrender of U.S. troops during the Civil War. His victory at Harpers Ferry enabled Lee to make his stand at nearby Antietam.
At first their missiles of death fell far short of our camp; but each succeeding shell came nearer and nearer, until the earth was plowed up at our feet and our tents torn to tatters.
Lieutenant James H. Clark, 115th New York Infantry
(Lower Panel): Jackson Arrives
Confederate Major General "Stonewall" Jackson arrived here on Schoolhouse Ridge with 14,000 men to commence the Battle of Harpers Ferry. Jackson faced mountain obstacles and a determined Union army defending Bolivar Heights. But in a three-day battle, he forced the largest surrender of U.S. Troops during the Civil War.
(Sidebar): Major General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson was the most successful Confederate general by the late summer of 1862. At the war's outbreak in April 1861, he began his Confederate career as a colonel in command at Harpers Ferry. Returning 17 months later, Jackson used his knowledge of the area's rugged terrain to outmaneuver the Union troops.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1861.
Location. 39° 18.526′ N, 77° 46.804′ W. Marker is near Millville, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Bloomery Road (County Road 27), on the right when traveling south. Located in the south section of the School House Ridge unit of the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. The marker is along a walking trail just south of the William L. Wilson Freeway (US 340). The trail is best reached from the parking area on Bloomary Road (CR 27). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Millville WV 25432, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Setting the Trap / Jackson Arrives (approx. 0.2 miles away); Setting the Trap (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battle of Harpers Ferry (approx. half a mile away); Flag Talk (approx. half a mile away); Allstadt House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fake Attack - September 14th (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gun Position #6 (approx. 0.8 miles away); Destined for Antietam (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Millville.
More about this marker. The upper panel displays a three dimensional battle map detailing the troop positions during the battle. The location of the marker is indicated by a "you are here" flag. The lower panel features an illustration of Jackson surveying the battlefield, while his troops march past.
Regarding Battle of Harpers Ferry / Jackson Arrives. Both panels of this marker are duplicated elsewhere in Harpers Ferry Historical Park.
Also see . . . 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry. National Park Service summary of the battle. (Submitted on May 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,579 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on March 14, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6, 7. submitted on March 13, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.