National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

PO Box 65
Harpers Ferry WV 25425

304 535-6748 phone
304 535-6244 fax

Harpers Ferry NHP News Release

Release Date: Immediately
Contact: Melinda Day, Event Coordinator
Phone: 304 535-6063

To Defend and Protect: Arming the American Soldier

The clang of the gunsmith's hammer and the clamor of machines echoed through Harpers Ferry during the first half of the 19th century. From the years of the early republic until the American Civil War, the United States Armory at Harpers Ferry produced weapons to arm the American soldier. On Saturday and Sunday, May 27th and 28thth, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will present a special program, To Defend and Protect: Arming the American Soldier. This program will highlight Harper Ferry's gun-making industry and the field use of those weapons.

Special exhibits and guided ranger programs will highlight the Harpers Ferry Armory, technology, invention and how soldiers for national defense and exploration used these weapons. The program reflects a self-determined, vibrant Republic embracing free trade, industrialization, technology, innovation, national expansion, while wrestling with the challenges of mass immigration, free labor versus slavery, and religious prejudice. A special historic weapons firing demonstration will be offered each day, Saturday from 2-3:30 and Sunday from 1-2:30.

In the first half of the 19th century, Harpers Ferry transformed from a small rural village to a thriving industrial town. The United States Armory that dominated the town for sixty years manufactured approximately 500,000 muskets, rifles, pistols and ordnance for American military use. The improved mechanization processes and weapon development that occurred at the Harpers Ferry Armory improved firepower, thus affecting the science of war.

Park rangers and volunteers dressed in civilian and military costumes will staff five permanent and temporary exhibit areas. For additional information call the Park Information Center at 304-535-6029.

-NPS-

Updated: Tuesday, 23-May-2006 08:43:12 Eastern Daylight Time
www.nps.gov /archive/hafe/new/nr-defend-protect-2006.htm
Author: Marsha B. Wassel

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