Page Contents for Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Libraries.

Schools.

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Statistics & Facts

The West Virginia state capital is Charleston.
The population of Harpers Ferry is approximately 308 (1990), 286 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 170 (1990), 131 (2010).
The amount of land area in Harpers Ferry is 1.441 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0.075 sq kilometers.
The distance from Harpers Ferry to Washington DC is 50 miles.
The distance to the West Virginia state capital is 230 miles. (as the crow flies)
Harpers Ferry is positioned 39.32 degrees north of the equator and 77.74 degrees west of the prime meridian.

Location

at the confluence of the Potomac and the Shennandoah Rivers. This area separates the states of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
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History & History Related Items

There is a federal arsenal and armory in Harpers Ferry which was built in 1796. It manufactured many of the muskets and rifles used in the War of 1812 and the Civil War. The area came into historical prominance with the notorious raid of abolitionist, John Brown, on the buildings. This occurred on the night of October 16, 1859. John Brown and his "army" of 18 members came upon the arsenal, surprised the guards and captured the buildings. He wanted to incite the slaves to riot and also to arm them with these weapons. After much bloodshed and trouble, Brown and his men were captured by the Marines under the leadership of then Colonel Robert E. Lee. A trial was held and Brown, along with six of his men, were tried for treason, convicted and then hanged at Charles Town.

During the Civil War, Harpers Ferry was also regarded as a major city as far as the safety of Washington, D.C. was concerned. The arsenal was destroyed in 1861 by the federal garrison there as they fled before the Virginian troops. The buildings were never re-constructed. The following year, in 1862, General Stonewall Jackson took over the town's federal garrison after a fierce battle. He gained 12,500 Union soldiers as prisoners from the encounter.
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Attractions

John Brown Wax Museum
High St.
Harpers Ferry, WV
Phone: 304 535-6342 or 535-2792
See life-size figures depicting the life of John Brown. Please call for admission fees and hours

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Phone: (304) 535-6223
The park comprises 2,300 acres at the Shennandoah and Potomac Rivers. There is much to see, including: exhibits, programs and hiking trails. The park has six Paths through History - Industry, John Brown, Civil War, African American History, Environmental History and Transportation. Tours are available.

Harper House
The oldest surviving structure in the area was built in 1782. It is furnished with mid-19th century pieces.

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Harpers Ferry City Government

Harpers Ferry Mayor's Office
1000 Washington St
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Phone: 304-535-2206

Harpers Ferry Chamber

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Box 426
Charles Town, WV 25414
Phone: 304-725-2055
Toll-free: 800-624-0577
Fax: 304-728-8307
Email

Harpers Ferry Organizations

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Box 426
Charles Town, WV 25414
Phone: 304-725-2055
Toll-free: 800-624-0577
Fax: 304-728-8307
Email

Harpers Ferry Libraries

Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Library
600 Polk St
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-9780
Phone: 304-535-2301

Harpers Ferry Schools

Harpers Ferry Junior High School
Washington St
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Phone: 304-535-6357