Union General Ulysses S. Grant had identified the Shenandoah Valley as a strategic target to attack because it was used for supply lines and communication lines for the Confederates.
(Ulysses S Grant)
Confederate General Jubal Early was making his way through the Valley to Harpers Ferry, where he hoped to pass easily through the gap in the mountains so that he could attack Washington, DC while Union troops were distracted further in the Valley.
(Jubal Early)
General Max Weber held the Union force in the Valley at Harpers Ferry and his was only a reserve division. Weber decided to evacuate the town of Harpers Ferry and retreat to Maryland Heights.
(Max Weber)
Weber's retreat to the heights delayed Jubal Early for four days before he moved on with his invasion of Washington, DC. Early was halted again though, by a battle at Monocacy, which is known as the battle that saved Washington, DC.
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