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

River Wall

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

1. River Wall Marker

Inscription. The Harpers Ferry & Shenandoah Manufacturing Company built this stone wall about 1848 as part of the hydraulic system for its two cotton mils and other shops downstream. This extensive retaining wall formed part of the berm separating the inner basin from the river. Water flowed from the inner basin into the tunnels which led to the factories.

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

Location. 39° 19.261′ N, 77° 44.187′ 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: Jonathan Child House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Island Mills (about 300 feet away); House Ruins (about 400 feet away); Head Gates and Inner Basin (about 400 feet away); Railroads (about 500 feet away); Island Access (about 500 feet away); Water Tunnels (about 500 feet away); Cotton Mill (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Another marker is no longer nearby.

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Shenandoah River (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. In the upper half of the marker is a photo of Virginius Island circa 1892, showing the inner basin and the river wall.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

2. River Wall Marker

Portion of the River Wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

3. Portion of the River Wall

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 1,008 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.