Under Fire!: Hold the High Ground, 1862

News Release Date: July 14, 2017 Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to witness the power of field artillery that defended the Union garrison during the Siege of 1862. The park’s Living History staff will present artillery demonstrations July 29-30 and August 5-6 at 1, 2, and 3 p.m., on the battle that led to General Stonewall Jackson’s capture of 12,500 Federal soldiers. A military camp will be open for visitation on the Bolivar Heights Battlefield from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shuttles from the park’s Visitor Center to the Bolivar Heights Battlefield will be available.

“We are surrounded by enemy batteries,” wrote a Union officer garrisoned at Harpers Ferry on September 15, 1862.  On that day, the 12,500-man Union garrison surrendered to Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.  This military action at Harpers Ferry was the largest surrender of Union troops during the American Civil War.  Following the surrender of Federal troops, Jackson’s men marched northward to join Confederate General Robert E. Lee near Sharpsburg, Maryland, arriving in time to save Lee’s flank from annihilation during the Battle of Antietam.

For further details, call the Information Center at 304-535-6029.