South Mountain Battle & Harpers Ferry: Prelude to Antietam | American Civil War | Special Order 191

The Battle of South Mountain and the siege of Harpers Ferry are the opening phase of Robert E. Lee's Maryland campaign in September, 1862 during the Civil War.

Lee had defeated the Army of the Potomac at the Penninsula near Richmond in July and then followed up with a victory at Second Manassas / Bull Run in August. In September, Lee cross the Potomac.

McClellan and the Union Army follow from Washington to Frederick, Maryland. There McClellan discovers Lee's Special Orders 191: Lee's secret plans.

Lee had divided his Confederate army. Longstreet headed north to Boonsboro then to Hagerstown, Maryland. But Jackson and other elements headed west to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

McClellan follows, sending the main army toward Boonsboro and Franklin's corps toward Harpers Ferry. The Battle of South Mountain (September 14, 1862) follows on the long crest of the Appalachian Mountains near Boonsboro.

Thomas Stonewall Jackson and the rebels are able to capture Harpers Ferry on September 15. Lee reorganizes the army in Sharpsburg, Maryland, near Antietam Creek.

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Film by Jeffrey Meyer, Research Librarian, Iowa
Images from Library of Congress and National Archives
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Music: "Veracruz" by Quincas Moreira