Archeology plays a valuable role in understanding both the natural and cultural history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Nestled between the powerful waters of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Harpers Ferry spans 2,300 acres and represents over 1,000 years of history. It has seen different civilizations rise and fall, wars fought, and technologies advance. Much of what is known of Harpers Ferry's history originates in detailed historical documentation with archeology constantly utilized to support or shed new light on the known historical record. The majority of archeology conducted at Harpers Ferry has been focused on the historical period, and there is little known concerning the prehistoric landscape. Archeology is potentially a great source of information concerning the American Indians. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is fortunate to have a well-established and enduring archeology program, with a long and varied inventory of studies completed. The first archeological study was completed at the site of the U.S. Arsenal in 1959 before Harpers Ferry National Monument became a National Historical Park. The most recent archeological investigation examines the U.S. Armory. Historical archeology, a sub-discipline of archeology, focuses on sites where the inhabitants left behind a written record. In North America, historical archeology begins with the arrival of Europeans. In Harpers Ferry, the written record begins with the first settler, Peter Stephens, in 1733 |
Last updated: July 22, 2022