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

Island Access

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

1. Island Access Marker

Inscription. Bridges spanning the canal, like the one to your left, provided access from the island to the mainland for residents and factory workers. During floods, they were paths to safety. To delay departure could spell disaster, as in 1870, when swiftly rising water swept away all avenues to higher ground.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 39° 19.341′ N, 77° 44.183′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Shenandoah Street (Business U.S. 340), on the right when traveling east. Located on Virginius Island in Harpers Ferry National Historic Site. 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 location. Island Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); Jonathan Child House (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson Rock (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Jefferson Rock (about 400 feet away); River Wall (about 500 feet away); House Ruins (about 500 feet away); Railroads (about 600 feet away); Lockwood House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

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More about this marker. On the left is a photo of The wooden truss bridge as it appeared in 1886 from Shenandoah Street, looking across to Virginius Island. At the bottom is a photo of The access bridge as seen from Shenandoah Street in 1886. Rebuilt from this historic photograph, the present bridge is dedicated to former U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph of West Virginia for his efforts to establish Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 21, 2021

2. Island Access Marker

Unfortunately, the marker has weathered significantly.

Island Access Marker next to the Bridge Landing image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

3. Island Access Marker next to the Bridge Landing

The Bridge from the South Side image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

4. The Bridge from the South Side

Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 960 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 14, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on May 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on May 14, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.