Most written accounts of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, during the Civil War era begin and end with John Brown's raid in 1859 and his subsequent hanging. In Six Years of Hell, Chester G. Hearn tells in colorful style the harrowing story of the war years from Brown's arrival in July, 1859, through the early months of Reconstruction in the summer of 1865.

Hearn vividly recounts the catastrophic effects of the war on Harpers Ferry. It was invaded by General Kenton Harper once and Stonewall Jackson twice, and it survived two attacks by Jubal Early and one each by Generals Joseph B. Kershaw and Lafayette McLaws. With Jackson's assistance, Joseph E. Johnston destroyed the town's industry, bridges, and canal in the spring of 1861. Thereafter it endured continual harassment from Virginia cavalry and independent partisan bands.

Often left without protection from either side, the town at times became a no man's land vulnerable to looters and armed bushwhackers.

Relying heavily on records left by the townsfolk who weathered the war and the soldiers who garrisoned the town, Hearn treats the civilian experience as fully as he does military activities. He makes continual reference to the people who attempted to stay in their homes, protect their possessions, and get along with the soldiers during the conflict. As Hearn clearly demonstrates, for those stouthearted individuals, the Civil War was truly six years of hell.