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

The Murphy Farm

By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008

1. The Murphy Farm Marker

Inscription. Established 1869
Alexander Murphy 1840-1931
Mollie M. Murphy 1869-1945

Mary Murphy 1834-1908
William J. Murphy 1872-1931

Historical events on the Farm:

Battle of Harpers Ferry
September 13-15, 1862

General Philip Sheridan's Fortification
August 1864 to April 1865

Site of John Brown Fort
1895-1910

Pilgrimage of the
Colored Women's League of Washington, D.C.
July 1896

The Second Niagara Movement
John Brown Day
Pilgrimage to John Brown's Fort
August 17, 1906

In memory of Alexander and Mary Murphy, who were
instrumental in the preservation of John Brown's Fort, and to
each generation of their descendents, who have recognized
the importance of conserving Murphy Farm.

Successive generations of the Murphy family have
welcomed citizens from across the nation to the farm to
reflect upon the historical events that have figured so
prominently in our nation's history

Location. 39° 18.466′ N, 77° 45.715′ W. Marker is near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Shoreline Drive. Touch for map. Located on the Murphy Farm trail in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Marker is in this post office area: Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America.

Other nearby markers.

By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008

2. The Murphy Farm Marker

At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Moving Symbol (within shouting distance of this marker); Pilgrimage (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Mountains, Men, and Maneuvers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sheridan Dug In (about 700 feet away); The Fate of Harpers Ferry was sealed. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Struggle to the Heights (approx. ¼ mile away); Home Becomes Battlefield (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Categories. • African Americans • Civil Rights • War, US Civil •

Former Site of the John Brown Fort image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008

3. Former Site of the John Brown Fort

The "fort" was relocated close to its historical position in Lower Town Harpers Ferry. This foundation trace was reconstructed on the site occupied while at Murphy Farm.

Murphy Farm lane image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008

4. Murphy Farm lane

The walking trail leading out to the Murphy Farm is part of the old farm lane. During the Battle of Harpers Ferry, September 1862, Confederates under General A.P. Hill occupied the high ground in the distance along the lane, flanking Federal positions on Bolivar Heights.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on November 3, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,682 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 3, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.