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

Jefferson Rock

— Meriwether Lewis at Harpers Ferry —

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

1. Jefferson Rock Marker

Inscription. Twenty years before Lewis came to town, his mentor, Thomas Jefferson, wrote about the view from this rock. Jefferson's comments on the landscape were published in Notes on the State of Virginia. That book provided a model for Lewis as he recorded his observations of the west. As Lewis gathered supplies here, did he follow in the footsteps of his mentor and take in this view? (Marker Number 8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Lewis & Clark Expedition series lists.

Location. 39° 19.346′ N, 77° 44.095′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Shenandoah Street (Business U.S. 340), on the right when traveling west. Located along the Appalachian Trail overlooking the Lower Town section of Harpers Ferry. 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 marker. A different marker also named Jefferson Rock (here, next to this marker); Shenandoah Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Nathan Cook Brackett (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);

Paid Advertisement

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

Click or scan to see
this page online

Revolutionary War Soldier (about 400 feet away); Island Access (about 400 feet away); Jonathan Child House (about 400 feet away); Harper Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Island Mills (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Jefferson Rock Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

2. Jefferson Rock Markers

Jefferson Rock image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

3. Jefferson Rock

Note the supports added to stabilize the rock as mentioned in the text.

View of the Confluence Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

4. View of the Confluence Today

Blocked somewhat by the trees, the view is not as impressive. Then again, in response to Jefferson's description, John Quincy Adams was also less than impressed.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,962 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 23, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.