Information Panel: Murphy Farm Kiosk- From Civil War to Civil Rights

Information Panel: Murphy Farm

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

In 1862 Union soldiers forced Edmund Chambers, this farms first owner (1848-1869), from his home. The farm became a battlefield, where Confederate General A.P. Hill struck the winning blow of the Battle of Harpers Ferry. Union General Philip Sheridan built fortified earthworks here in 1864 to protect Harpers Ferry from Confederate attack.

In 1895 the displaced John Brown's Fort found a resting place here. Alexander Murphy, the farm's new owner, allowed the fort's recommendation here and permitted public access. The fort -- a symbol of freedom to those once enslaved--became a shrine and helped inspire early civil rights advancements for African Americans. For over 130 years Murphy's descendants preserved the farm in the pristine conditions you see today.