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

Trail to Upper Harpers Ferry

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

1. Trail to Upper Harpers Ferry Marker

Inscription. Townspeople hand-carved these steps into the cliff early in the 1820's to gain easier access to homes and churches in the upper town. The rock cliff is composed of Harper's shale and you will find it scattered throughout the Harpers Ferry region in house walls and foundations, bridge supports, boundary walls, and ruins.

These stone steps will take you up the hill on a tour of the upper town. The first leg of the journey is steep, but relatively short - and you will find views of the rivers, bridges, lower town, and surrounding heights that are well worth the climb. Along the way, you'll also gain unusual perspectives on many historic buildings prominent in Harpers Ferry's rich history.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 39° 19.386′ N, 77° 43.834′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is on High Street (Business U.S. 340). Located in the Lower Town section of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. 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 other markers are within walking distance of this location. "A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step." (here, next to this marker); Casualty of War

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); Sweets for Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Harper House: The Mansion on the Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Harper House Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Springhouses and Root Cellars (within shouting distance of this marker); White Hall Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); High Street in 1886 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

More about this marker. On the left is a photo of the Stone Steps in 1865. In the center is a strip map of the trail to upper town. On the right are photos of a few of the historic buildings and sites - Harper House, Jefferson Rock, Anthony Hall, and Lockwood House.

Also see . . . Harpers Ferry. National Park Service page. (Submitted on November 3, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Trail Strip Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008

2. Trail Strip Map

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 7, 2008

3. Trail to Upper Harpers Ferry Marker

The Stone Steps image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

4. The Stone Steps

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 815 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 3, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.