Summary of "1862-63 Battle of Harper's Ferry September 12-15th"
The video discusses the Battle of Harpers Ferry, which took place from September 12 to 15, 1862, in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Following their victory at the Second Battle of Bull Run, Confederate forces, led by General Robert E. Lee, advanced towards Harpers Ferry, where they faced 14,000 Union troops commanded by Colonel Dixon S. Miles. Lee divided his troops, with General Stonewall Jackson commanding the assault on Harpers Ferry.
On September 12, the Confederates launched their attack with a total of 24,000 men, while Miles, aware of his disadvantage, made strategic errors in his defense, including relying on inexperienced recruits and spreading his forces too thin. The battle began with initial Confederate attacks on September 13, which faced resistance but eventually led to the Confederates capturing key heights.
As the battle progressed, the Confederates continued their artillery bombardment, which significantly weakened Union defenses. By September 15, after a surprise attack from the rear and with the Union artillery out of ammunition, Colonel Miles was forced to surrender. The Confederates captured over 12,000 Union troops, marking the largest surrender of Union forces in the war, while suffering relatively low casualties themselves.
Speakers:
- Narrator (unspecified)
