Existing comment:
The Civil War:
In 1860 Harpers Ferry was a thriving industrial community, by 1861 it was a prize of war. Virginia seceded from the Union on April 17, 1861. within twenty four hours retreating federal troops had torched the U.S. Armory and southern forces had taken control of the town. Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson surrounded the town in September of 1862. His capture of the Union garrison of 12,500 min was the largest surrender of Federal forces during the war. In August 1864, thousands of Federal troops massed at Harpers Ferry. From this staging ground, Union General Philip Sheridan orchestrated the Union offensive that defeated the Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley. Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Surrender on April 9, 1865 ended the war. The fighting was over, but suffering continued. The town had changed hands eight times resulting in the destruction of industries, homes and lives. Harpers Ferry had paid the price of war. |