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

Springhouses and Root Cellars

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

1. Springhouses and Root Cellars Marker

Inscription. These small caves carved into the shale cliffside at one time served as springhouses and root cellars for the residents of this block.

The cooler subsurface temperatures of a root cellar helped preserve herbs, vegetables, and fruits in the days before modern refrigeration.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.

Location. 39° 19.381′ N, 77° 43.854′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It is on Church Street, on the right when traveling south. Located in the Lower Town section of Harpers Ferry National Historic Site, across the street from the Harper House. 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 of this marker: Harper House Tavern (here, next to this marker); Harper House: The Mansion on the Hill (here, next to this marker); St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (a few steps from this marker); Trail to Upper Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); "A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step." (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Sweets for Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Casualty of War (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Harper House (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Root Cellar in the Wall along Church Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

2. Root Cellar in the Wall along Church Street

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,642 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.