Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Railroads
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007
1. Railroads Marker
Inscription.
Railroads. . Trains clanking along iron rails have echoed through Virginius Island since the Winchester and Potomac Railroad arrived here in 1836. It extended from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad junction at Harpers Ferry 32 miles southward to Winchester. The W&P line enabled local industrialists to import raw materials and export finished products to the port of Baltimore and into the heart of the Shenandoah Valley., During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces damaged the railroad. By late fall, 1864, however, Union General Sheridan had rebuilt the W&P to supply over 30,000 U.S. troops in the valley., This railroad still operates today. It stands as the only "living" remnant of the island's industrial past., Just ahead is the railroad. Please use caution as you cross the tracks.
Trains clanking along iron rails have echoed through Virginius Island since the Winchester & Potomac Railroad arrived here in 1836. It extended from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad junction at Harpers Ferry 32 miles southward to Winchester. The W&P line enabled local industrialists to import raw materials and export finished products to the port of Baltimore and into the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces damaged the railroad. By late fall, 1864, however, Union General Sheridan had rebuilt the W&P to supply over 30,000 U.S. troops in the valley.
This railroad still operates today. It stands as the only "living" remnant of the island's industrial past.
Just ahead is the railroad. Please use caution as you cross the tracks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 39° 19.284′ N, 77° 44.283′ 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 on Virginius Island in Harpers Ferry National Historic Site. 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
More about this marker. In the lower part of the marker is a photo of A freight train traveling through Virginius Island, circa 1900.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007
2. Railroads Marker beside the Railroad
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 22, 2007
3. The Still Active W&P Line
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 748 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 14, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
