Harpers Ferry is a small, picturesque town located along the banks of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where the three states of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland meet. Part of West Virginia’s Jefferson County, Harpers Ferry is home to a population of just over 300 residents, as of the 2000 Census.
The lovely community is located at the bottom of the ravine that is created by the two rivers. Harpers Ferry, WV homes for sale are nestled within the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, creating an idyllic place for many to call home. Harpers Ferry, WV homes range from older colonials to newer custom built homes in luxury neighborhoods. Harpers Ferry is filled with quiet beauty, rich history, and a style of living unlike any other. It also happens to be one of the few towns that the Appalachian Trail passes directly through.
History of Harpers Ferry
A gentleman by the name of Robert Harper was given a patent on 125 acres of the land that is now the present location of Harpers Ferry. Harper went on to establish a ferry service across the Potomac River in 1761. The ferry helped the town emerge as a starting point for settlers moving into the Shenandoah Valley and further west. Following the start-up of the ferry service by Harper, the Virginia General Assembly officially established the town of “Shenandoah Falls at Mr. Harper’s Ferry” in 1763.
U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both made their way into Harpers Ferry during the late 18th century. While on his way to Philadelphia in 1783, Jefferson passed through Harpers Ferry, and referred to the area as “perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.”
During the summer of 1785, George Washington traveled to Harpers Ferry in order to determine the need for bypass canals. By 1794, Washington proposed the site of Harper’s Ferry as the location for a new federal armory and arsenal. The U.S. Government then proceeded to purchase a 125-acre parcel of land from the heirs of Robert Harper in 1796. By 1799, construction began on the United States Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Soon the town was transformed into an industrial center. In addition to the Arsenal, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal reached Harpers Ferry and linked it with the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad also began train service through Harpers Ferry in 1833. Between 1801 and 1861, the Armory produced an excess of 600,000 muskets, rifles, and pistols.
The Civil War had both Union and Confederate troops moving through Harpers Ferry quite frequently. The Civil War also signified the end of arms production in Harpers Ferry. Shortly after the war ended, Harpers Ferry, along with all of Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, were separated from Virginia and incorporated into West Virginia.
By the mid-twentieth century, most of Harpers Ferry became part of the National Park Service and is now maintained as the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Several of the existing Harpers Ferry, WV homes for sale are quite old, and many are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
The highly recognized Harpers Ferry National Historical Park surrounds the entire town of Harpers Ferry. The park provides town residents and visitors with an array of tours, museums, beautiful hiking and biking trails, and restored 19th century streetscapes. The park is within walking distance from all Harpers Ferry, WV homes for sale. Some of the Harpers Ferry, WV homes for sale are charming antebellum homes and lovely bed and breakfast inns.
For more information on Harpers Ferry, WV homes for sale, contact Gar Edmondson of The Team Titans at 304.724.1930 today.
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