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Harpers Ferry is situated in Jefferson co., W. Va. (then Virginia), at the point where the Shenandoah enters the Potomac River, and is 45 miles northwest of Washington. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad runs through the place and the Shenandoah Valley road forms a junction there. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal passes by on the Maryland side. In 1859 the United States had a highly important arsenal and rifle factory at the place, with from 100,000 to 200,000 stand of arms stored there. Power for the Factory was derived from a hydraulic canal. The population of the town was about 2,500, mostly employees of the Government. As a gateway through the Blue Ridge to Washington Harpers Ferry was of great importance during the war and much fighting occurred in and around it." |
