Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

A Government Factory Town

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

1. A Government Factory Town Marker

Inscription. Harpers Ferry owed its existence principally to the United States armory, which began producing small arms here in 1801. At its height, this factory produced more than 10,000 weapons a year and employed 400 workers.

The armory affected the everyday lives of its workers, both inside and outside the workplace, until its destruction in 1861 during the opening days of the Civil War.

To learn about the armory's efforts on behalf of its workforce, walk this short trail along the Shenandoah River and visit the sites of buildings pictured here.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1801.

Location. 39° 19.308′ N, 77° 43.892′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Shenandoah Street (Business U.S. 340), on the right when traveling east. Located in lower town of Harpers Ferry National Historic Site, just south of the Winchester and Potomac Railroad. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Butcher Shop and Boarding House (within shouting distance of this marker); Armory Workers (within shouting distance of this marker); Casualties of Time

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(within shouting distance of this marker); A Government Factory Town No Longer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shenandoah Street about 1880 (about 300 feet away); Floods (about 300 feet away); Market House (about 400 feet away); Welcome to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

More about this marker. A drawing above the text shows the locations where notable buildings stood on Shenandoah Street and the U.S. Musket Factory on the eve of the Civil War: boarding house, armory workers' dwellings, market house, paymaster's house, and U.S. musket factory.

Marker and Foundation Trace of a Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

2. Marker and Foundation Trace of a Building

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,004 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.