Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
A Land Divided
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 13, 2012
1. A Land Divided Marker
The struggle of today is not altogether for today -
it is for a vast future also.
Abraham Lincoln
You are standing near what was once an international border. During the Civil War, the peak to your left lay within the Union state of Maryland. Loudon Heights to your right was claimed by the Confederate state of Virginia. Slavery divided the nation, and here at Harpers Ferry the two sides clashed over the meaning of freedom.
[Aerial photo caption reads]
Virginia's secession from the Union divided North from South along the Potomac River. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Harpers Ferry was home to the national armory and passageway for major railroad lines. These assets made it an important prize of war to both sides.
[Inset photo captions read]
The noise of army camp life once disturbed the quiet field before you. Both the Union and Confederate armies used this clearing as a campground and training field at different times throughout the course of the war.
Refugees from slavery flocked to the Union encampments in Harpers Ferry. Thousands of formerly enslaved people sought the protection of the Union army. Classified by the army as contraband, they faced an uncertain future.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 19.46′ N, 77° 44.438′ W. Marker was in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It was on Fillmore Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the grounds of the NPS Mather Training Center. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in the Eastern Panhandle. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named A Land Divided (here, next to this marker); Foundations of Freedom (a few steps from this marker); Storer College Veterans Memorial Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); That was the happiest time of my life. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Niagara Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); The Second Meeting of the Niagara Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia Lodge No. 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen Tyng Mather (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.
Other markers no longer
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 13, 2012
2. A Land Divided Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
