Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Harper House: The Mansion on the Hill
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
From this vantage point, early residents watched Harpers Ferry grow from a tiny village into a thriving industrial community.
In 1775, town founder Robert Harper chose this hillside for his home. The home was completed in 1782. Unfortunately, he died that same year and never lived here. Harper had no children and left his property to his niece, Sara Harper Wagner. On September 6, 1832, Sarah's granddaughter, Sarah Ann, married Noah H. Swayne in this house. Referred to as "The Mansion," this home was owned by the Swayne family for 89 years.
The Harper House is the oldest surviving structure in Harpers Ferry and has undergone many transformations from tavern, residence, rental property, abandoned ruin to restored exhibit.
Noah H. Swayne
On January 21, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln nominated Noah H. Swayne as his first appointee to the Supreme Court of the United States. Swayne served on the Court for nineteen years. He worked to improve the status of African Americans, and fought to ratify the 15th Amendment which guaranteed voting rights for all citizens.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is January 21, 1862.
Location. 39° 19.378′ N, 77° 43.851′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of Public Way and Appalachian Trail, on the right when traveling north on Public Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 Public Way, 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. Harper House Tavern (here, next to this marker); Springhouses and Root Cellars (here, next to this marker); Welcome to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (a few steps from this marker); St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church (a few steps from this marker); Trail to Upper Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); "A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step." (within shouting distance of this marker); Sweets for Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Casualty of War (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 771 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 25, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4. submitted on April 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.