From this vantage point, a succession of 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 family home because it lay safely . . . — — Map (db m18753) HM
The Harpers House was near the end of a 20-year run as the only tavern in Harpers Ferry when Lewis arrived. Thomas Jefferson may have been among the first guests to stay here in 1783. If Lewis rented a room in 1803, he was among the last travelers . . . — — Map (db m18754) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m148945) HM
Harpers Ferry. Named for Robert Harper, who settled here in 1747 and operated ferry. Site purchased for Federal arsenal and armory in 1796. John Hall first used interchangeable gun parts here. Travel route thru Blue Ridge gap, and river, . . . — — Map (db m82777) HM
Heyward Shepherd On October 17, 1859, abolitionist John Brown attacked Harpers Ferry to launch a war against slavery, Heyward Shepherd, a free African American railroad baggage master, was shot and killed by Brown’s men shortly after midnight. . . . — — Map (db m171726) HM
These brick-lined archways, or "head gates," built around 1850, once controlled much of the island's waterpower. From here, a "wing dam" extended across the Shenandoah River, funneling water through the arches and into the inner basin. A gate at the . . . — — Map (db m18949) HM
A national controversy regarding the education of African American students played out in the building before you. Throughout its history, Storer College faced great difficulty attracting funding. Most white benefactors favored trade school . . . — — Map (db m70807) HM
We want our children trained as intelligent human beings should be and we will fight for all time against any proposal to educate black boys and girls simply as servants and underlings, or simply for the use of other people. They have . . . — — Map (db m173635) HM
On the night of October 16, 1859, Heyward Shepherd, an industrious and respected Colored freeman, was mortally wounded by John Brown's raiders in pursuance of his duties as an employee of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. He became the first . . . — — Map (db m126128) HM
Armory Superintendent Joseph Perkins lived in a converted warehouse on this spot from 1801-1806. The day Lewis arrived, March 16, 1803, he hand-delivered a letter from the Secretary of War directing Perkins to provide "arms & iron work... with the . . . — — Map (db m18804) HM
The U.S. Armory Paymaster's house stood here. Completed in 1802 as a home for the armory's senior administrator, this building was probably the best house in town when Meriwether Lewis arrived in 1803. Lewis may have stayed here and he certainly . . . — — Map (db m18662) HM
An island entrepreneur or owner likely resided in this 2 1/2-story house which once stood on this foundation. Owners and workers both resided on the island. Other dwellings included four large 2-story structures, five 2-story brick tenements, and . . . — — Map (db m18951) HM
Bridges spanning the canal, like the one to your left, provided access from the island to the mainland for residents and factory workers. During floods, they were paths to safety. To delay departure could spell disaster, as in 1870, when swiftly . . . — — Map (db m18987) HM
Sounds of turning mill wheels and workers filling bags with freshly ground flour once filled the air here. The foundation of Island Mills, one of the earliest (1824) industries on the island, lies before you. Each fall the railroad brought wheat . . . — — Map (db m18983) HM
Jefferson County. Formed in 1801 from Berkeley. Named for Thomas Jefferson. Home of Generals Gates, Darke, and Charles Lee. Here four companies of Washington's men organized. Shepherdstown was strongly urged as the seat of the National . . . — — Map (db m167196) HM
"On your right comes up the Shenandoah, having ranged along the foot of the mountain a hundred miles to seek a vent. On your left approaches the Patowmac [Potomac], in quest of a passage also. In the moment of their junction they rush together . . . — — Map (db m10662) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18791) HM
Here John Brown aimed at human slavery a blow that woke a guilty nation. With him fought seven slaves and sons of slaves. Over his crucified corpse marched 200,000 black soldiers and 4,000,000 freedmen singing “John Brown’s body lies . . . — — Map (db m158453) HM
That this nation might have
a new birth of freedom,
That slavery should be removed
forever from American soil.
John Brown
and his 21 men gave their
lives.
To commemorate their
heroism, this tablet is
placed on this . . . — — Map (db m167876) HM WM
Here is a building with a curious past. Since its construction in 1848, it has been vandalized, dismantled, and moved four times - all because of its fame as John Brown's stronghold. The Fort's "Movements" 1848 Built as fire-engine house for . . . — — Map (db m4420) HM
Commemorated here is the original location of the "John Brown Fort"--the Federal Armory's fire engine house where abolitionist John Brown and his raiders were captured by the U.S. Marines on October 18, 1859. If you look to the south, you will see . . . — — Map (db m10900) HM
You are in the line of fire. The stone marker in front of you identifies the original site of the armory fire engine house - now known as John Brown's Fort. Barricaded inside the fort, abolitionist John Brown and his men held off local militia and . . . — — Map (db m23413) HM
Jonathan and Emily Child owned the house that once stood on this foundation. Along with partner John McCreight, Child bought Virginius Island from Abraham Herr after the Civil War and moved here with his family in 1867. Three years later, on . . . — — Map (db m18982) HM
Formerly Vestal's Gap. Historic gateway through the Blue Ridge into the Shenandoah Valley. It was often used by Washington and by armies of the Blue and the Gray, 1861-65. Here passed part of Braddock's army, 1755, en route to Fort Duquesne. — — Map (db m148890) HM
Formerly Vestal’s Gap. Historic gateway through the Blue Ridge into the Shenandoah Valley. It was often used by Washington and by armies of the Blue and Gray, 1861–65. Here passed part of Braddock’s army, 1755, en route to Fort Duquesne. — — Map (db m167164) HM
Serious problems plagued the weapons stored in this two-story structure built in 1799. Floods and high humidity posed constant threats. Sparks from wood-burning locomotives presented a fire hazard. Inadequate storage space caused overcrowding and . . . — — Map (db m18691) HM
Completed in 1800, the 2 1/2-story, brick arsenal building stored weapons made for the security and survival of a young United States of America. Lewis procured 15 rifles from this stockpile. They were the first and most essential weapons his . . . — — Map (db m18752) HM
Meriwether Lewis arrived March 16, 1803. Oversaw building of collapsible iron framed, skin-clad boat and acquired supplies, tomahawks, and rifles. Left for Pennsylvania on April 18; returned July 7 to gather materials and left next day for . . . — — Map (db m2149) HM
With its commanding view of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac River gap, this house has witnessed significant chapters in Harpers Ferry's history. It was built in 1847 as quarters for the U.S. Armory paymaster and later served as headquarters for Union . . . — — Map (db m238060) HM
Armory workers purchased fresh vegetables, meat, and fish every Wednesday and Saturday here at the Market House. Constructed by the government near mid-century, the building that once stood here architecturally resembled the refurbished armory . . . — — Map (db m18800) HM
Harpers Ferry, Virginia - Charter from Virginia Legislature 1851
Jeremiah Fuss - 1851-1852
John C. Umseld - 1852-1853
Solomon V. Yantis - 1853-1855, 1879-1880, 1882-1885
George Mauzy - 1855-1857
Isaac Fouke - 1858-1859
Fontaine . . . — — Map (db m143935) HM
Work in the Smith and Forging Shop that stood here was dirty, smoky, noisy, and dangerous. Worse still, in the early 1800s armorers changed from skilled craftsmen - creating unique handcrafted weapons - into wage laborers tending machines for less . . . — — Map (db m23491) HM
This house was built in 1858 as quarters for the U.S. Armory paymaster's clerk and his family. This clerk helped the paymaster manage the armory's complex budget and payroll, and assisted also with the collection of government quarters' rent and . . . — — Map (db m70750) HM
The metal boat frame to your right is a replica of a collapsible boat built here for Lewis and Clark. Menwether Lewis came to the armory in 1803 to prepare for an epic cross-continent journey and oversee the construction and testing of the boat. . . . — — Map (db m20526) HM
The Potomac River races east past you with enough mountain-carving power to punch through the entire Blue Ridge to your right. Such energy easily powered the entire national armory from the early 1800s until 1861. Diverted by a dam upstream, river . . . — — Map (db m20536) HM
Only Marine killed in John Brown's Raid - October 18, 1859
Pvt Luke Quinn came from Ireland in 1835, and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1855 in Brooklyn, NY. He was sent to sea duty, then transferred to Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. He . . . — — Map (db m70780) HM WM
On this spot in 1838 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) pulled into the lead in the race for transportation industry dominance with the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C&O). Denied across to the Maryland side of the river, the B&O struck a deal with the . . . — — Map (db m23415) HM
The B&O Railroad constructed this embankment in the 1890s, covering a large section of the original armory site and elevating their train tracks above flood levels. — — Map (db m143945) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m18981) HM
Revolutionary War Soldier
William Broadus
Born 1755
Died October 5, 1830
Lieutenant in the First Virginia Regiment
Commanded by Colonel George Gibson
Marker placed by
General Adam Stephen Chapter, NSSAR
and
Virginia Society, NSSAR . . . — — Map (db m103454) HM WM
Built in 1826 as a private residence, this Federal style house was acquired by the War Department in 1837 and became U.S. Armory dwelling No. 55. Jefferson Davis signed the deed in 1852 when the government sold the house to Armory worker James . . . — — Map (db m148859) HM
The Harpers Ferry & Shenandoah Manufacturing Company built this stone wall about 1848 as part of the hydraulic system for its two cotton mils and other shops downstream. This extensive retaining wall formed part of the berm separating the inner . . . — — Map (db m18944) HM
In 1806, workmen with hand tools widened and deepened this channel for cargo boats to bypass, or "skirt," the rapids in the Shenandoah River. Linked with many other skirting canals" en route to Washington, D.C., this passage became part of the . . . — — Map (db m18988) HM
In 1877-1888, on the former site of the Shenandoah Canal's lower locks, Thomas Savery erected this large mill to provide wood pulp for the paper industry. Ten turbines, arranged in pairs in the mill's five massive sluiceways, powered wood grinders, . . . — — Map (db m18985) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m122844) HM
Thousands of enslaved people fled to the Union lines at Harpers Ferry during the Civil War. Some of them found shelter in the "contraband camp" located near here in the shadow of John Brown's Fort. Their freedom and safety were always in . . . — — Map (db m20491) HM
Along this path lie the remains of revolutions. Six acres of the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry have been reduced to rubble. Buildings that buzzed with activity and innovation now lie covered with dirt. Train tracks that pushed to the edge of a new . . . — — Map (db m20475) HM
Completed in 1848 this was the armory's largest building, nearly 100 yards long. Here workers forged iron into gun barrels and parts. — — Map (db m143944) HM
These small caves carved into the shale cliffside at one time served as springhouses and root cellars for the residents of this block. The cooler subsurface temperatures of a root cellar helped preserve herbs, vegetables, and fruits in the days . . . — — Map (db m18755) HM
These weathered ruins are all that remain of St. John's Episcopal Church - one of Harpers Ferry's five earliest churches. Built in 1852 with money provided by church fairs, St. John's served as a hospital and barracks during the Civil War and . . . — — Map (db m18790) HM
The Reverend Doctor Josiah P. Smeltzer laid the cornerstone of St. John's Lutheran Church on April 30, 1850. The building was completed two years later and dedicated on August 1, 1852. Little more than seven years had passed when, at dawn on . . . — — Map (db m70794) HM
Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad produced an influx of Irish laborers into the Harpers Ferry area during the early 1830's. St. Peter's Catholic Church, completed in 1833, symbolizes America's melting . . . — — Map (db m18789) HM
He laid the foundation of the National Park Service. Defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done. — — Map (db m70831) HM
Thousands of blacks seeking refuge from slavery and protection behind Union lines fled to Harpers Ferry during the Civil War.
Recognizing the importance of education for former slaves, the government’s Freedmen’s Bureau began a school here . . . — — Map (db m238230) HM
The enticing smell of bread, cakes, candies, and pies undoubtedly attracted many customers to Frederick Roeder's Confectionery, making it a prosperous business from 1845 to 1861. In addition to his store, it is reported that he carried small pies to . . . — — Map (db m25151) HM
Water from the canal flowed through underground tunnels, turning water wheels and powering armory machinery before it exited through tailraces. — — Map (db m143943) HM
Female students arriving here at the Cook Hall dormitory were greeted with a welcoming letter that advised them, "Here you will come as refuge from the strangeness or perplexities of campus life. Here you will fight your battles of adjustment to . . . — — Map (db m158640) HM
The American Institute of Certified Planners
has designated
The Appalachian Trail
as a
National Planning Landmark
and
Benton MacKaye
as a
National Planning Pioneer
Conceived by Benton MacKaye in 1921 as a walking trail from . . . — — Map (db m70787) HM
The Harpers Ferry Town Bandstand or Gazebo was originally one of the structures on Island Park. This amusement park was created and operated by the B&O Railroad from 1879 to 1909 on Byrne Island in the Potomac River just below the Hilltop House. . . . — — Map (db m2936) HM
Work on the railroad and canal progressed slowly at first, but by 1834 both companies had completed construction to a point opposite Harpers Ferry. The canal had won the race to this point and it continued up the Maryland side of the Potomac. . . . — — Map (db m12062) HM
This plaque is dedicated to the John Brown raiders, a group of men led by John Brown who, at Harpers Ferry on October 17, 1859 struck a blow against slavery.
Killed at Harpers Ferry Jeremiah Anderson • Oliver Brown • Watson Brown • John Henri . . . — — Map (db m103497) HM
In this cemetery are buried George Adam Moler (1714–1783) and his wife Eve. George Adam Moler came to American on Aug. 29, 1730 with his father Ludwig Mohler, settling first in Lancaster, Penn. He moved to this area around 1758. He received a land . . . — — Map (db m1962) HM
As the railroad streaked westward from Harpers Ferry, the C&O Canal fell hopelessly behind in the race for Ohio. Burdened by a lack of building supplies and a scarcity of skilled labor, the canal encountered serious financial problems and did not . . . — — Map (db m12064) HM
Here, on August 15-19, 1906, on the Storer College campus, the Niagara Movement held their first open and public meeting on American soil. Organized by W.E.B. Du Bois and others a year earlier in Erie Beach, Ontario, Canada, the Niagara Movement . . . — — Map (db m173629) HM
The battle we wage is not for ourselves alone but for all true Americans.
W.E.B. DuBois
In 1906, the Niagara Movement held its second annual meeting on the Storer College campus.
The Niagara Movement was the first national . . . — — Map (db m70829) HM
Today's view of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers passing through the water gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains has changed little from Meriwether Lewis' view in 1803. Lewis hoped to find a similar, accessible trade route on rivers passing through the . . . — — Map (db m18801) HM
Rail transportation in the United States began in Baltimore, Maryland on July 4, 1828, when Charles Carroll, the only living signer of the Declaration of Independence, laid the cornerstone of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
On the same day . . . — — Map (db m12060) HM
We claim for ourselves every single right that belongs to a freeborn American, political, civil and social, and until we get these rights we will never cease to protest and assail the ears of America. The battle we wage is not for . . . — — Map (db m173631) HM
In memory of
Thornton Tayloe Perry (1863 - 1954)
who acquired a major portion of Shannondale Springs
and his nephew
Thornton Tayloe Perry; II (1892 - 1981)
who had the vision to preserve Shannondale Springs
in its natural state. . . . — — Map (db m148889) HM
Townspeople hand-carved these steps into the cliff early in the 1820's to gain easier access to homes and churches in the upper town. The rock cliff is composed of Harper's shale and you will find it scattered throughout the Harpers Ferry . . . — — Map (db m13299) HM
The brick house in front of you was once part of the United States Armory complex. Prominent Armory officials lived along this street. During the Civil War, Union soldiers camped and drilled here. Inside the house they scrawled their names on the . . . — — Map (db m103605) HM
In the shadow of the United States Armory at Harpers Ferry, private industry thrived. Across this canal is Virginius Island, site of a town that once bustled with pre-Civil War businesses and the activities of 200 people. Built along the banks of . . . — — Map (db m122845) HM
Completed in 1843 the two-story building that once stood here was used "for storing iron, steel, and other supplies." During the Civil War it was also used by Union forces for storage. — — Map (db m143941) HM
Tunnels increased power. Here water from the inner basin, located off to your right, flowed through a series of underground passages. With openings smaller at the downstream end - like a nozzle on a garden hose - these tunnels increased the water's . . . — — Map (db m18942) HM
You are standing in Arsenal Square. Weapons made in the armory were carted here for storage in the two arsenal buildings from 1803 - 1861. The stone rectangle in the ground in front of you outlines the large arsenal built in 1799. Problems plagued . . . — — Map (db m143938) HM
High above the storied town of Harpers Ferry, with the tranquil waters of the Shenandoah River flowing just below, sits historic St. Peter’s Church. Deeply rooted in the rich history of the Church in West Virginia, the Civil War, and one of the . . . — — Map (db m124619) HM
Appalachian Trail (A.T.)
National Scenic Trail
Hike the Appalachian Trail from West Virginia to Maryland in just minutes by crossing the Potomac River bridge near you. The A.T. laves West Virginia here on its way from Georgia to Maine. . . . — — Map (db m150159) HM
Located directly across from the U.S. Armory, the White Hall Tavern was an 1850's community gathering place, where white males debated politics; discussed local events; and protested armory management, wages and layoffs. The tavern's close proximity . . . — — Map (db m18667) HM
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