Harpers Ferry by the Numbers

• 309,901 visitors in 2021
• 3 states (Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia)
• 2 rivers
• 4 administrative units of the National Park Service in Harpers Ferry – Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry Center, Mather Training Center, Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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

• $7,160,000 operating budget in 2022
• $1,721,600 collected in recreational fees in 2021. Learn how fees are used to improve the park experience.
• $16.8 million in visitor spending generated in local gateway regions in 2021
• Supported a total of 228 jobs, $10.2 million in labor income, $16.5 million in value added, and $26.6 million in economic output. See the National Park Service Visitor Spending Effects Report

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.