BATTLE // September 12, 1862
Battle of Harpers Ferry
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Battle of Harpers Ferry was a component operation of the Maryland Campaign, fought while Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army was advancing through Maryland. Jackson's force surrounded and bombarded the Union garrison, ultimately capturing it along with nearly 12,636 Union troops — making it one of the largest single surrenders of Union forces in the war. The operation cleared Lee's strategic rear and secured a significant supply of men and materiel for the Confederate army as it continued operations in Maryland. The scale of the loss removed a substantial Union force from the campaign at a critical juncture.
Tactics
Jackson's force surrounded the Union garrison at Harpers Ferry and subjected it to bombardment before forcing its capture. The Confederate force, numbering between 21,000 and 26,000, significantly outnumbered the roughly 14,000 Union defenders under Dixon S. Miles and Julius White.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- United States14,000medium
- Confederate States21,000–26,000medium
Confederate States fielded a 1.7 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- United States12,636medium90% loss rate
Commanders (4)
Confederate States
United States
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6 sibling battles · 2 factions