Near Bolivar in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The Murphy Farm
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008
1. The Murphy Farm Marker
Alexander Murphy 1840-1931
Mollie M. Murphy 1869-1945
Mary Murphy 1834-1908
William J. Murphy 1872-1931
Historical events on the Farm:
Battle of Harpers Ferry
September 13-15, 1862
General Philip Sheridan's Fortification
August 1864 to April 1865
Site of John Brown Fort
1895-1910
Pilgrimage of the
Colored Women's League of Washington, D.C.
July 1896
The Second Niagara Movement
John Brown Day
Pilgrimage to John Brown's Fort
August 17, 1906
In memory of Alexander and Mary Murphy, who were
instrumental in the preservation of John Brown's Fort, and to
each generation of their descendents, who have recognized
the importance of conserving Murphy Farm.
Successive generations of the Murphy family have
welcomed citizens from across the nation to the farm to
reflect upon the historical events that have figured so
prominently in our nation's history
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1865.
Location. 39° 18.466′ N, 77° 45.715′ W. Marker is near Bolivar, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Shoreline Drive
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Moving Symbol (within shouting distance of this marker); Pilgrimage (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Mountains, Men, and Maneuvers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sheridan Dug In (about 700 feet away); The Fate of Harpers Ferry was sealed. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Struggle to the Heights (approx. ¼ mile away); From Civil War to Civil Rights / Battle of Harpers Ferry (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bolivar.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008
2. The Murphy Farm Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008
3. Former Site of the John Brown Fort
The "fort" was relocated close to its historical position in Lower Town Harpers Ferry. This foundation trace was reconstructed on the site occupied while at Murphy Farm.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008
4. Murphy Farm lane
The walking trail leading out to the Murphy Farm is part of the old farm lane. During the Battle of Harpers Ferry, September 1862, Confederates under General A.P. Hill occupied the high ground in the distance along the lane, flanking Federal positions on Bolivar Heights.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 22, 2020
5. The Murphy Farm House
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,070 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 3, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on April 22, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
