Information Panel: A Union Predicament (Bolivar Heights)

Harpers Ferry remained important in protecting Union communication and supply lines.

NPS/ Claire Hassler

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The first large scale Federal occupation of Harpers Ferry began in February 1862. Despite the destruction of the armory and arsenal the previous year, Harpers Ferry remained important in protecting Union communication and supply lines in deterring Confederate invasions of the North.

The Confederates invaded the North for the first time in September 1862. By September 7, Gen. Robert E. Lee's army had crossed the Potomac River and encamped outside Frederick, Maryland. The large Union force at Harpers Ferry, was located behind the invading Confederates, threatened Southern communication and supply lines. In response, Lee boldly divided his army into four parts, sending three columns to capture or destroy the Union garrison at Harpers Ferry.

Illustration Caption: By early September 1862, 14,000 Federal troops occupied Harpers Ferry and vicinity, with more than half encamped on Bolivar Heights.

Map Caption: Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jacksons' Confederate force of 14,000 traveled 51 miles in three days and occupied School House Ridge, ½-mile west of Bolivar Heights, on September 13.

Map Caption: Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws' Confederate force of 8,000 captured Maryland Heights after a battle there on September 13.

Map Caption: Brig. Gen. John G. Walker's Confederate force of 2,000 occupied undefended Loudoun Heights on September 13.

Map Caption: After Jackson's column cornered the Federals into an inescapable position on Bolivar Heights, the trap was set. For five hours on Sunday afternoon, September 14, the Confederates fired their artillery from the captured heights. One hapless Federal wrote: ". . . the hissing the screeching of shot and shell discharged at us ‘twas a strange medley for a Sabbath day's worship."