Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Shenandoah River

By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

1. Shenandoah River Marker

Inscription. The power of the Shenandoah River once made Virginius Island valuable real estate. Armory Superintendent James Stubblefield purchased the island in 1824 for $15,000. Two months later he almost doubled his investment by selling the island as four tracts while promoting its industrial potential. By the mid-1850s, businessman Abraham Herr had paid almost $47,000 for this 13-acre island.

The river signified both friend and enemy to the industrialists and residents here. As long as it stayed within its banks, the factories and mills harnessed its power to run machinery. When the Shenandoah ranged out of control, however, its once friendly power destroyed everything in its path.

The Shenandoah and its branches flow 150 miles through the fertile Shenandoah Valley, once described as "the breadbasket of the Confederacy." It empties into the Potomac River just downstream at Harpers Ferry.

Location. 39° 19.249′ N, 77° 44.07′ 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. Touch for map. Located on Virginius Island in Harpers Ferry National Historic Site. Marker is in this post office area: Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007

2. Shenandoah River Marker

markers are within walking distance of this marker. Water Tunnels (a few steps from this marker); Cotton Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginius Island Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shenandoah Canal (about 400 feet away); River Wall (about 600 feet away); Jonathan Child House (about 600 feet away); Jefferson Rock (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Jefferson Rock (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

More about this marker. On the lower left is a map of the Shenandoah Valley showing the course of the Shenandoah River. In the upper right is An 1864 drawing of the Shenandoah Valley from Maryland Heights, located across the Potomac River from Harpers Ferry.

Categories. • Industry & Commerce • Natural Features •

By Paul Jordan, August 6, 2010

3. Shenandoah River Marker

During our visit, this marker was uprooted and out of place.

Shenandoah River at Virginius Island image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, May 17, 2008

4. Shenandoah River at Virginius Island

Looking from the US 340 bridge upstream from Virginius Island. The island is on the left side of this view.

By Paul Jordan, August 6, 2010

5. Shenandoah River Marker

During our visit, this marker was uprooted and out of place.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 944 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 22, 2010, by Paul Jordan of Burlington, N. C., U. S. A.. 4. submitted on May 10, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on August 22, 2010, by Paul Jordan of Burlington, N. C., U. S. A..