Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, August 13, 2026
Before the main engagement at Antietam, Confederate General Robert E. Lee divided his forces, tasking Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson with capturing the Union garrison at Harper's Ferry. The successful surrender of over 12,000 Union troops on September 15th allowed Jackson to rejoin Lee, reinforcing his army for the subsequent battle.
“The Union garrison at Harper's Ferry, located where the Shenandoah River met the Potomac, remained in Confederate lines of communication.”
“On September 15th, the Union garrison surrendered.”
“More than 12,000 Union soldiers became prisoners in one of the largest Union surrenders of the war.”
“Jackson then hurried most of his forces towards Lee at Sharpsburg, and this development was crucial.”