The Confederate Army won the Battle of Harpers Ferry.
The Confederate Victory at Harpers Ferry
The Battle of Harpers Ferry, fought from September 12 to 15, 1862, in Jefferson County, West Virginia, resulted in a decisive victory for the Confederate forces. This engagement was a significant event during the American Civil War, notable for the scale of its outcome.
Key Details of the Battle
Under the command of General "Stonewall" Jackson, Confederate troops successfully besieged the Union garrison stationed at Harpers Ferry. The Union forces, numbering approximately 13,000 men, were ultimately compelled to surrender.
Here's a quick overview:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victor | Confederate Army |
| Confederate Commander | General "Stonewall" Jackson |
| Dates | September 12 – September 15, 1862 |
| Location | Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, West Virginia |
| Union Garrison Size | Approximately 13,000 troops |
| Significance | Largest surrender of American troops until World War II |
The Siege and Surrender
Confederate forces methodically surrounded the Union garrison at Harpers Ferry. General Jackson's strategic placement of artillery on the surrounding heights enabled him to shell the federal positions effectively. Faced with overwhelming odds and continuous bombardment, the Union commander chose to surrender his entire force. This massive capitulation of troops represented a significant strategic and psychological blow to the Union, marking it as the largest surrender of American troops in history until the events of World War II.
This Confederate triumph at Harpers Ferry secured a vital strategic point and provided a morale boost for the Southern cause early in the Maryland Campaign, just days before the Battle of Antietam.
For more information on the Battle of Harpers Ferry, you can visit the American Battlefield Trust.
