Harpers Ferry, town (2020 pop. 285),
Jefferson co., easternmost W Va., at the confluence of the Shenandoah and
Potomac rivers; inc. 1763. The town is a tourist attraction, known for its
history and its scenic beauty. John Brown's seizure of the U.S. arsenal
there on Oct. 16, 1859, and the town's subsequent strategic importance
during the Civil War, when it was considered the key to the Shenandoah valley, brought it into
national prominence. In 1747, Robert Harper, a millwright, established a
ferry at the junction of the two rivers—hence the town's name. The
U.S. arsenal was located there in 1796, and by the mid-19th cent., Harpers
Ferry was an important arms-producing center, with mills, numerous gun
factories, and huge stores of weapons and ammunition. The development of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and of the Baltimore & Ohio RR increased
its importance, making it a transportation link between the Ohio valley and
the East. During the Civil War it was primarily held by Union soldiers but
changed hands a number of times. Its industrial plant was repeatedly
destroyed by troops of both sides. Harpers Ferry never recovered
economically, and a series of devastating floods in the late 19th cent.
ended all hopes for revival. Despite continued flooding during the 20th
cent., many old buildings remain. Of interest are the fire engine house in
which John Brown was captured; the John Brown Museum; and the old steps,
hand-carved (early 1800s) into the natural stone, which lead to Robert
Harper's house (1775–82) and to Jefferson Rock. The Harpers
Ferry National Historical Park (est. 1963; 2,343 acres/949
hectares) attracts many visitors (see National Parks and Monuments,
tablenational parks and monuments,
table).
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