History in the Mountains

Harpers Ferry's history and geography influenced each other for more than 250 years as early settlers crossed the mountains and operated ferries across the rivers, George Washington, impressed with the area's natural resources, convinced Congress to establish a U.S. armory and arsenal there, and the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, which cut the gap through the Blue Ridge, provided water power for industry. Harpers Ferry's location also brought disadvantages, as the rivers caused frequent floods, while the armory and defensible mountains attracted John Brown and his plan to end slavery. During the Civil War, the mountain gap, armory, railroad, and canal made the area a military target, and after the war had stripped the mountains of their trees and destroyed the town's industry, only Storer College and its education of former slaves provided hope for Harpers Ferry.

Bolivar, West Virginia · United States