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

"for the deposit of arms"

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, August 1, 2016

1. "for the deposit of arms" Marker

Inscription. The Small Arsenal building that stood here from 1806—1861 was one of two warehouses for the nearby United States Armory. A Harpers Ferry visitor in 1821 described both buildings as "arsenals for the deposit of arms manufactured, consisting of rifle, muskets and some pistols which are handsomely arranged and make a fine show."

In 1859 abolitionist John Brown attacked Harpers Ferry hoping to inspire a revolt against slavery. Brown wanted the arsenal's weapons to arm recruits. Brown's raid came to a bloody end, but his actions helped propel the nation into the Civil War. When fighting broke out in 1861, retreating U.S. troops burned both federal arsenal buildings to keep the weapons from falling into Confederate hands.

Erected by National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1806.

Location. 39° 19.373′ N, 77° 43.807′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of Shenandoah Street and High Street on Shenandoah Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8

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other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Arsenal Square (here, next to this marker); High Street in 1886 (a few steps from this marker); Burned, Flooded, and Leveled (a few steps from this marker); Large Arsenal Foundation (within shouting distance of this marker); Large Arsenal (within shouting distance of this marker); Trail to Upper Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Harpers Ferry History (within shouting distance of this marker); Heyward Shepherd (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, August 1, 2016

2. "for the deposit of arms" Marker

Weapons made at the United States Armory were stored down the street in the arsenals.

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, August 1, 2016

3. "for the deposit of arms" Marker

During the 1859 attack, raiders Jeremiah Anderson and Albert Hazlett captured and held the arsenal buildings while just yards away Brown fought from inside the Fire Engine House.

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, August 1, 2016

4. "for the deposit of arms" Marker

The large and small arsenal buildings stored thousands of muskets and rifles like those shown below. When the arsenals burned in April 1861 nearly 15,000 arms were destroyed.
Percussion Musket Model 1842
Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Rifle

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, August 1, 2016

5. "for the deposit of arms" Marker

Marker is 2nd one back on the left side of the frame.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 417 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 11, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.