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

Riley House

1826

Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 9, 2016

1. Riley House Marker

Inscription. Built in 1826 as a private residence, this Federal style house was acquired by the War Department in 1837 and became U.S. Armory dwelling No. 55. Jefferson Davis signed the deed in 1852 when the government sold the house to Armory worker James Mills. B&O railroad engineer C.E. Riley and family owned and occupied the house from 1907 to 1975. Riley's granddaughter, descendant of local Confederate Partisan Ranger Jim Riley (Virginia Cavalry), is the current owner and resident.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 39° 19.446′ N, 77° 43.934′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It is on High Street east of Church Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 55 High St, Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in the Eastern Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pvt Luke Quinn (within shouting distance of this marker); Warehouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chimney (about 300 feet away); Branding the B&O (about 300 feet away); The John Brown Raiders (about 400 feet away); St. John's Episcopal Church

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(about 400 feet away); Mere Machines of Labor (about 500 feet away); By the aid of these machines... (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Regarding Riley House. The house is available as a vacation rental.

The Riley House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 9, 2016

2. The Riley House

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 1,151 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on April 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.