Existing comment:
First Alert:
Harpers Ferry provided an excellent vantage point to monitor enemy movements and activity. In June 1863, Union garrison commander General Daniel Tyler took full advantage of this strategic advantage. While the Union Army, under the command of General Joseph Hooker, remained perplexed about the whereabouts of the Confederates, Tyler was able to pinpoint their movement an d provide the first alert to Federal officials about the Confederate invasion of the north that resulted in the Battle of Gettysburg.
"The signal officer just reports that the atmosphere is clear, and that he can see a line of troops 10 to 12 miles long marching from the direction of Berryville toward Shepherdstown Ford. It looks as if Lee's movement is towards Hagerstown and Pennsylvania."
-- General Daniel Tyler, June 23, 1863 |