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

Shepherdstown

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

1. Shepherdstown Marker

Inscription. James Rumsey, inventor of the steamboat, lived here, 1785 to 1788, and in 1787 demonstrated his boat on the Potomac at this point. Here was born Colonel James Strode Swearingen, who commanded the men who founded the City of Chicago in 1803.

Erected 1975 by West Virginia Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.

Location. 39° 26.152′ N, 77° 48.197′ W. Marker is in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is on North Duke Street / Shepherdstown Pike (State Highway 480), on the right when traveling north. The Shepherdstown Pike is numbered Route 34 on the Maryland side of the bridge. The marker is located on the southern end of the Bridge, at a pull off. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shepherdstown WV 25443, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The James Rumsey Bridge (here, next to this marker); River Crossing (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Shepherdstown (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County / Maryland

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Waterfront Commerce and the Mecklenburg Warehouse (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Shepherdstown (approx. 0.2 miles away in Maryland); Blackford's Ford (approx. 0.2 miles away in Maryland); A View into the Past (approx. 0.2 miles away in Maryland). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shepherdstown.

Shepherdstown and Rumsey Bridge Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2012

2. Shepherdstown and Rumsey Bridge Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.