Naval Battery at Harpers Ferry, WV

The good folks at the Historical Marker data base, had a spotlight Jan. 27th on the Naval Battery at Maryland Heights, Harper's Ferry, WV, 300 feet above the Potomac River. It is on the grounds of Storer College.

It was the first Union fortification on the heights and built quickly in 1862 and armed with naval guns rushed from the Washington, DC, Naval Yard and manned by 300 sailors and marines.

Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign served as the impetus for construction. During the Antietam Campaign, its guns were turned up the heights at Confederates. The whole position was surrendered. Union forces returned a week later (after Sept. 22, 1862) and built forts along the crest of Maryland Heights. The Naval Battery was turned into an ordnance depot.

www.hmdb.com

Here a Gun, There a Gun. --Old B-Runner