Harper's Ferry Evacuated
Summary
The Confederate evacuation of Harper's Ferry in advance of the arrival of Federal troops is reported in detail. Although the Confederates had boasted of the impregnability of the town, they left when approaching Union forces were about thirty miles away. They left in 2 columns, one heading toward Manassas and the other toward Leesburg. Before leaving, however, they burned all the public property including the Government Armory buildings, the 1,000 foot-long bridge over the Potomac (including the Winchester span), the railroad bridge at Martinsburg and the bridge over the Potomac at Shepherdstown. All the B&O buildings but two at Harper's Ferry were burned. The bridge over the Shenandoah was left standing. About 14,000 of the rebel troops were thought to be marching to join Lee and Beauregard, while a smaller group was headed to Romney. The troops threw some light arms and accoutrements into the river before leaving and hauled some heavy guns about 6 miles before abandoning them. The town has a very desolate appearance. B&O locomotives and cars, numbering about 70, were burned near the Opequon bridge and at Martinsburg.
Article Source
Newspaper: The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light
Publication Date: June 19th, 1861
Page/Column: 2A
Town: Hagerstown, MD
County: Washington
Subjects
- Battles / Military
