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== Harpers Ferry and the Gaps ==

The arsenal and supply depot at Harpers Ferry was of the utmost importance to both sides. Lee desperately needed the supplies contained therein, in addition to the access the town provided to the Shenandoah Valley. McClellan needed to release some 13,000 Union troops at the garrison while holding access to the river and rail junctions that were imperative supply routes. Again, a series of events led to a significant, though the under-appreciated battle of the Civil War. Lee marched to Maryland in order to expedite a Confederate victory; in order to do so he needed the supplies and arms contained in Harpers Ferry; in order to accomplish that task, it was necessary for him to divide his army. By a sheer stroke of happenstance, “McClellan was granted a windfall such as few generals in history have enjoyed,” and deployed his men in such a manner as the Battle of South Mountain had to ensue.<ref>McPherson, 108.</ref>