Harpers Ferry by the Numbers

Resources

  • 3,682 acres of land preserved
  • 56 miles of exterior boundary
  • 408 acres managed for agricultural use
  • 15 cultural landscapes
  • 50 historic buildings
  • 206 historic structures
  • 21 museums and exhibit spaces
  • 1,124,635 objects in museum collection
  • 41 state, rare, threatened, or endangered species
  • 87 bird species detected in park grasslands during spring and fall migration seasons
  • 11 raptor species migrating through the park (Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel)
  • 9 hiking trails, including the part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • 23 miles of hiking trails
  • Rock climbing offered in 2 states (WV and MD)

Funding

Historic Timeline

1763: Virginia General Assembly establishes the town of “Shenandoah Falls at Mr. Harper’s Ferry” 16 years after Robert Harper purchases 125 acres of land and begins operating a ferry service.

1783: Thomas Jefferson visits Harpers Ferry, writing, “The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature.”

1785: George Washington tours Harpers Ferry as president of the Patowmack Company.

1799: Construction of a federal armory begins after proposal by George Washington.

1803: Meriwether Lewis procures weapons and supplies from Harpers Ferry Armory for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

1820: John H. Hall commences production of his patented breech-loading rifle for U.S. Government at Harpers Ferry.

1833: The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is completed to Lock 33 across from Harpers Ferry.

1834: The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad reaches the Maryland shore opposite Harpers Ferry.

1859: John Brown’s raid occurs.

1861: American Civil War begins. Harpers Ferry changes hands between the United States and Confederacy eight times.

1862: Battle of Harpers Ferry takes place. 12,500 Union soldiers surrender, the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War.

1867: Reverend Dr. Nathan Cook Brackett opens “Storer Normal School” in the Lockwood House. It will grow into Storer College.

1896: Colored Women’s League takes pilgrimage to John Brown’s Fort.

1906: Civil rights organization the Niagara Movement holds first public meeting in the United States at Storer College.

1936: The record Flood of 1936 crests at 36.5 feet in Lower Town.

1944: Harpers Ferry National Monument established.

1955: Storer College closes.

1963: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park established.

1968: John Brown’s Fort is moved from the Storer College campus back to Lower Town Harpers Ferry.

Last updated: October 17, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
National Park Service
PO Box 65

Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Phone:

304 535-6029

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