Existing comment:
Industry:
Natural resources, limestone, iron ore, timber and water power were plentiful at Harpers Ferry. By the mid-1800 s it was a thriving factory town with a population of almost 3,000 people. The foundation for this development was the United States Armory, located here by George Washington. The Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured more than 600,000 muskets, rifles and pistols until the outbreak of the Civil War. Virginius Island, nestled along the Shenandoah River, was home to a number of industries, including Hall's Rifle Works.
Here, John Hall perfected interchangeable parts technology and inspired a world-wide revolution in manufacturing. Prosperity did not last. The destruction of the Civil War, a series of devastating floods and safer, more reliable sources of energy drew business away from Harpers Ferry and Virginius Island. Today, the factory ruins remind us of Harpers Ferry's contribution to America's Industrial Revolution. |