Information Panel: Schoolhouse Ridge South Kiosk

Battle of Harpers Ferry School House Ridge South trail access

NPS / Claire Hassler

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Battle of Harpers Ferry

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 fell far short of our camp; but each succeeding shell came nearer and nearer, until the earth was plowed up at our feet, and our tents torn to tatters." Lieutenant James H. Clark, 115th New York Infantry.

Jackson Arrives

Confederate Major General "Stonewall" Jackson arrived here on Schoolhouse Ridge with 14,000 men to commence the Battle of Harpers Ferry. Jackson faced mountain obstacles and a determined Union army defending Bolivar Heights. But in a three-day battle, he forced the largest surrender of U.S. troops during the Civil War.