Harpers Ferry – Civil War History

by YankeeJim | February 27, 2011 at 05:31 am

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When Americans think about the Civil War, they may remember first shots fired at Fort Sumter. Or, they most assuredly will remember Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

“Harpers Ferry and the Civil War Sesquicentennial

What was the first target in Virginia following secession? Where was the largest capture of of Union troops during the Civil War? The answer to both is Harpers Ferry!

Strategically located on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley, Union and Confederate troops moved through Harpers Ferry frequently. The town changed hands eight times between 1861 and 1865. Four years of warfare resulted in a garrison town under martial law, military hospitals, partisan warfare, and a base of operations for military campaigns.”

http://www.nps.gov/hafe/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=152139

To use the word “celebrate” may be a misnomer, but to reflect on history and to grasp the meaning of Americans fighting Americans is something worth investigating.

My brother hiked the Appalachian Trail that goes through Harpers Ferry and took an excellent photograph from the big rock high above the town. (See photo)

“Schedule of Events

2011 - 2015

Title of Event: War Comes to Harpers Ferry: The Burning of the Federal Arsenal

Date: April 16-17, 2011

Description: This two-day event will focus on the April 1861 secession of Virginia from the Union and the subsequent burning of the Federal Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Activities will include, living history, ranger conducted programs and family/youth activities.

Title of Event: In the Shadows of John Brown: The 1861 Battle of Bolivar Heights

Date: October 15-16, 2011

Description: Two years to the day after John Brown’s Raid, Union and Confederate troops clashed on Bolivar Heights.

The event will highlight the unique parallels between John Brown and participants of the battle. Activities will include, living history, ranger conducted programs and family/youth activities.

Title of Event: Marches, Skirmishes & Battles: Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign

Date: April 21-22, 2012

Description: This event will focus on the significance of Harpers Ferry during Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign in the spring of 1862. Activities will include, living history, ranger conducted programs and family/youth activities.”