St. Peter's Catholic Church

St. Peter's Catholic Church

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Built in 1896, St. Peter's Church sits on a hill atop the town. It's a steep hike, but the scenic views it offers of Lower Town cannot be beat. With magnificent architecture and stained glass, no trip is complete without a stop at this private location.

Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad produced an influx of Irish laborers into the Harpers Ferry area during the early 1830’s. St. Peter’s Catholic Church, completed in 1833, symbolizes America’s melting pot tradition and the customs, habits, and religion of the early Irish immigrants.

During the Civil War, to protect the church from Union and Confederate shells, Father Costello flew the British Union Jack flag as a symbol of the church’s neutrality. St. Peter’s escaped the war relatively unscathed. St. Peter’s was remodeled to its present appearance in 1896, and Mass is offered here every Sunday.