Yes, the fine distinction between Harpers Ferry and Fort Sumpter is lost on me, too.
I guess it depends on whether it's you ox or someone elses that's getting gored.
it is NOT at all the same.
HFA was located on VA-owned land, guarded by VA police, VMI cadets & armed guards paid for by VA taxpayers.
HFA was NOT federal property, though the MACHINERY for producing weapons/parts MAY have been federally owned. (NOBODY living today knows the answer to that question for sure;a friend of mine from Mary Washington College has spent considerable time/$$$$$ looking for that answer;the records evidently do NOT exist.)
Ft Sumpter,otoh, was property LEASED to the government by the state of SC on a longterm basis;the property & troops were federals.
free dixie,sw