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The Battle of Harpers Ferry was fought during the American Civil War on September 12–15, 1862. The Confederate Army defeated the Union Army and captured 12,419 Union soldiers.
After General Lee's army had advanced into Maryland, General Lee learned that the Union garrison, led by Colonel Dixon S. Miles, stationed at Harpers Ferry had not retreated. Lee plotted to surround the Union force.
He sent three columns of troops to attack from different directions. He placed artillery on Loudoun Heights, overlooking the town. On September 15th, Colonel Miles surrendered. He was mortally wounded shortly after by a Confederate artillery round. 44 Union and 39 Confederate soldiers died during the battle.
Harpers Ferry was earlier the site of the abolitionist John Brown's attack on the munitions dump.
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