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

White Hall Tavern

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

White Hall Tavern Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

1. White Hall Tavern Marker

Inscription. Located directly across from the U.S. Armory, the White Hall Tavern was an 1850's community gathering place, where white males debated politics; discussed local events; and protested armory management, wages and layoffs. The tavern's close proximity easily tempted armory workers to raise a glass, or two... or three, before and during work. As a result, Armory officials took a stand that public houses, such as White Hall Tavern, ruined morals, work ethics, and even threatened armory production. Crowded building conditions posed another threat - fire. In 1856 the U.S. Government purchased and removed the front section of the building. They subsequently widened the street, creating the needed safety buffer around the Armory.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 39° 19.404′ N, 77° 43.815′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It is on Potomac Street, on the right when traveling east. Located in front of Soldiers Rest, in Harpers Ferry Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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

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of this marker: Lewis and Clark (a few steps from this marker); Heyward Shepherd (a few steps from this marker); Harpers Ferry History (a few steps from this marker); "I just had to speak out" -Pearl Tatten (a few steps from this marker); John Brown Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Armory Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Casualty of War (within shouting distance of this marker); Sweets for Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

More about this marker. The marker displays a photo of White Hall Tavern as it appeared in the 1890s.

This marker was moved indoors in 2009.

Soldier's Rest, the Old White Hall Tavern image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

2. Soldier's Rest, the Old White Hall Tavern

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 17, 2009

3. White Hall Tavern Marker

The marker was moved indoors in 2008-9 (likely to attract visitors' attention to the exhibits in the tavern).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,045 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on May 25, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.