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

Head Gates and Inner Basin

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

1. Head Gates and Inner Basin Marker

Inscription. These brick-lined archways, or "head gates," built around 1850, once controlled much of the island's waterpower. From here, a "wing dam" extended across the Shenandoah River, funneling water through the arches and into the inner basin. A gate at the opening of each arch controlled the flow.

After passing through the head gates, the water was stored in the inner basin until dispersed via raceways and tunnels to the mills and factories. Over time, silt and sand accumulated and eventually filled the basin.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 39° 19.269′ N, 77° 44.27′ 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: House Ruins (a few steps from this marker); Railroads (within shouting distance of this marker); River Wall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Island Mills (about 400 feet away); Jonathan Child House

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(about 500 feet away); Island Access (about 600 feet away); Shenandoah Pulp Factory (about 800 feet away); Water Tunnels (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

More about this marker. In the upper portion of the marker is a photo captioned Virginius Island's waterpower system in 1882.

Marker and Ruins of the Head Gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

2. Marker and Ruins of the Head Gate

Exterior Wall of the Head Gate and Dam Location image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

3. Exterior Wall of the Head Gate and Dam Location

The outside wall of the Head Gate was heavily reinforced. The dam extended across the river from the base of the 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 966 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.