Harpers Ferry, Virginia (West Virginia) was the home of two United States Armories and an arsenal where 15,000 weapons were manufactured per year. With two railroads and a nearby canal system, Harpers Ferry became an important manufacturing center. The town was strategically important at the outbreak of the war for both the Union and Confederate armies. Harpers Ferry was the home of 3,400 citizens, hailing equally from the North and South. In less than six months after the outbreak of hostilities, there were only about one hundred citizens, who would continue to call the town their home. "The Struggle for Harpers Ferry" covers the early years, John Brown's Raid, and the Civil War. The book contains first hand accounts from soldiers as well as citizens of their experiences and events that shaped their lives while serving or living in a community on the front lines of the Civil War. In 2008, "The Struggle for Harpers Ferry" was an Amazon.com best-selling short story. The short story was on the best-seller's list for ten weeks, reaching the top ten. After adding additional information and historical events, "The Struggle for Harpers Ferry has been extended to book length.