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

Water Tunnels

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

1. Water Tunnels Marker

Inscription. Tunnels increased power. Here water from the inner basin, located off to your right, flowed through a series of underground passages. With openings smaller at the downstream end - like a nozzle on a garden hose - these tunnels increased the water's flow. This increased pressure created more waterpower for the factories.

As you continue along the trail, look for evidence of the river wall and the head gates - other features of this elaborate waterpower system, first built around 1848.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 39° 19.258′ N, 77° 44.076′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It can be reached from Shenandoah Street (Business U.S. 340), on the right when traveling east. Located on Virginius Island in Harpers Ferry National Historic Site. 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: Cotton Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Shenandoah Canal (about 400 feet away); River Wall (about 500 feet away); Jonathan Child House (about 500 feet away); Jefferson Rock (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Jefferson Rock

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(about 500 feet away); Island Mills (about 700 feet away); Island Access (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Other markers no longer nearby. Shenandoah River (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Virginius Island Trail (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Illustrations on the marker show the locations of the mills and associated hydraulic complex.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

2. Water Tunnels Marker

The marker overlooks one of the water chambers.

Water Flowed In image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

3. Water Flowed In

The water flowed through the underground tunnels through the archways of the chamber.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

4. The Chamber

The water was controlled through these chambers.

Looking Through the Chamber image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

5. Looking Through the Chamber

As stated on the marker the archway on the far side is smaller than the upstream side.

Branch of the Water Tunnel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

6. Branch of the Water Tunnel

A side branch of the water tunnel led to another mill.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 918 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 13, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.