Information Panel: Battle of Harpers Ferry

Invasion rocked the United States during the second year of the American Civil War.

NPS/ Claire Hassler

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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 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.

Quotation: "At first their missiles of death fall far short of our camp; but each succeeding shell came nearer and near, until the earth was plowed up at our feet, and our tents tore to tatters." Lieutenant James H. Clark, 115th New York Infantry