Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Capture of Harpers Ferry

No. 1

By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

1. Capture of Harpers Ferry (War Department Tablet No. 1) Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

September 15, 1862
No. 1On September 10, 1862 General R. E. Lee Commanding the Army of Northern Virginia then at Frederick Md. set three columns in motion to capture Harper’s Ferry. Maj. Gen L. McLaws with his own Division and that of Maj. Gen. R. H. Anderson, marched through Middletown and Brownsville Pass into Pleasant Valley. On the 12th, the Brigades of Kershaw and Barksdale ascended Maryland Heights by Solomon’s Gap, moved along the crest and, at nightfall were checked by the Union forces under command of Col. T. H. Ford, about two miles north of this. Eight Confederate Brigades held Weaverton, Sandy Hook and approaches from the east. On the 13th, Kershaw and Barksdale drove the Union Troops from the Heights. Ford, abandoning seven guns, retreated across the pontoon bridge, a few yards above the railroad bridge, to Harpers Ferry. The Union loss was 38 killed, 134 wounded; Confederate loss 35 killed, 178 wounded.

Brig. Gen. John G. Walker’s Division crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks, 10 miles below this during the night of September 10, and, on the 13th occupied Loudoun Heights and the roads south of

Five War Department Tablets at The Point of Harpers Ferry image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

2. Five War Department Tablets at The Point of Harpers Ferry

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the river leading east and south.

Erected by Antietam Battlefield Board. (Marker Number No. 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Antietam Campaign War Department Markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1864.

Location. 39° 19.375′ 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 10 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); Early Travel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Race to the Ohio (within shouting distance of this marker);

The Capture of Harpers Ferry Markers image. Click for full size.

The Capture and Execution of John Brown: A tale of Martyrdom by Elijah Avey

3. The Capture of Harpers Ferry Markers

The Mule Falters (within shouting distance of this marker); The Iron Horse Wins (within shouting distance of this marker); Where Three National Trails Meet (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 the action here related to the Battle of Antietam.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Markers in Harpers Ferry related to the 1862 Antietam Campaign.

Also see . . . 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry. From the National Parks Service (Submitted on September 26, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Harpers Ferry from Down River image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

4. Harpers Ferry from Down River

On the left is Loudoun Heights and on the right is Maryland Heights, which were occupied by Confederate forces as described in the marker. Harpers Ferry, where the Federal garrison opted to make its stand, is nested at the juncture of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, on lower ground.

Fortifications on Maryland Heights image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

5. Fortifications on Maryland Heights

Two miles to the north, after a rather steep climb, one can still see the remains of the stone fortifications occupied by Federal forces by Col. Ford.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,618 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 25, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 26, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 4. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on September 25, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.