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

Armory Workers

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

1. Armory Workers Marker

Inscription. Expanding armory operations in the opening decades of the 19th century resulted in overcrowded and unhealthy living conditions for workers. Families shared inadequate, unventilated housing, while single men slept in the workshops.

To alleviate the housing shortage, armory superintendent James Stubblefield allowed workers to erect dwellings, at their own expense, on public lands along the Shenandoah River, "being the only disposable level ground at the armory." In the late 1820s and 1830s, the U.S. Government purchased the privately-built houses and leased them back to the workers.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 39° 19.314′ N, 77° 43.862′ 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 east. Located in lower town of Harpers Ferry National Historic Site, just south of the Winchester and Potomac Railroad. 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. Casualties of Time (within shouting distance of this marker); A Government Factory Town (within shouting distance of this marker); A Government Factory Town No Longer

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Floods (within shouting distance of this marker); Shenandoah Street about 1880 (within shouting distance of this marker); Butcher Shop and Boarding House (within shouting distance of this marker); Market House (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Samuel Annin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a drawing showing a worker operating a piece of machinery at the armory.

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 12, 2007

2. Armory Workers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 861 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.