Found Underground Marker

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Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Found Underground

By Henry T. McLin, July 1, 2009

1. Found Underground Marker

Inscription. The ground around you hides the remains of the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry. Beneath the surface archeologists discovered walls, floors, pipes, and the base of a massive 90-foot chimney. As the team slowly and painstakingly excavated small pits throughout the site, the uncovered over 28,000 artifacts - some in almost pristine condition - providing a glimpse into the past.

Artifacts found her include (clockwise): a bone-handled toothbrush, and apothecary's weight, a carved pipe bowl, a file modified into a wrench, printer type, and a lice comb.

National Park Service archeologists began their excavation in 2005, exposing corners, floors and doorways of the Warehouse and the Smith Forging Shop. They later refilled the pits to preserve the site.

Archeologists found this fragment of ceramic (above). It is identified by its maker's mark, which matches an 1827 English plate commemorating the founding of the B&O Railroad.

Erected 2009.

Location. 39° 19.448′ N, 77° 43.809′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Potomac Street, on the right when traveling west. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America.

Other nearby markers.

By Henry T. McLin, July 1, 2009

2. Found Underground Marker

At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Power of the Potomac (a few steps from this marker); Racing West (a few steps from this marker); By the aid of these machines... (within shouting distance of this marker); Mere Machines of Labor (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Joseph Perkins (within shouting distance of this marker); My Favorite Boat (within shouting distance of this marker); Six Acres That Changed the World (within shouting distance of this marker); A Perfect Heap of Ruins (within shouting distance of this marker). Click for a list of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Credits. This page originally submitted on July 26, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 174 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. Submitted on July 26, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.