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

Found Underground

Photographed by Henry T. McLin, July 1, 2009

1. Found Underground Marker

Inscription. The ground around you hides the remains of the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry. Beneath the surface archeologists discovered walls, floors, pipes, and the base of a massive 90-foot chimney. As the team slowly and painstakingly excavated small pits throughout the site, the uncovered over 28,000 artifacts - some in almost pristine condition - providing a glimpse into the past.

Artifacts found her include (clockwise): a bone-handled toothbrush, and apothecary's weight, a carved pipe bowl, a file modified into a wrench, printer type, and a lice comb.

National Park Service archeologists began their excavation in 2005, exposing corners, floors and doorways of the Warehouse and the Smith Forging Shop. They later refilled the pits to preserve the site.

Archeologists found this fragment of ceramic (above). It is identified by its maker's mark, which matches an 1827 English plate commemorating the founding of the B&O Railroad.

Erected 2009.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 2005.

Location. 39° 19.448′ N, 77° 43.809′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It can be reached

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from Potomac Street, on the right when traveling west. 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: Power of the Potomac (a few steps from this marker); Tailrace (a few steps from this marker); Smith and Forging Shop (a few steps from this marker); Racing West (a few steps from this marker); Railroad Embankment (within shouting distance of this marker); By the aid of these machines... (within shouting distance of this marker); Mere Machines of Labor (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Joseph Perkins (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Photographed by Henry T. McLin, July 1, 2009

2. Found Underground Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,358 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.