Named for Thomas Jefferson who stood here, captivated by the beauty of the area during his 1783 visit to Harpers Ferry. The rock is located on Camp Hill, above the Shenandoah River
View of Jefferson Rock and Pontoon Bridge Over Shenandoah River, Harpers Ferry, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1863
Description:
An unidentified man sits on Jefferson Rock above the Shenandoah River at Harpers Ferry. A pontoon bridge has been laid across the river to temporarily replace the destroyed bridge. The bridge's piers can be seen rising out of the river.
'A small stream emptying in the South Fork of the Shenandoah is crossed by the Luray Valley RR a branch of the B and O on a trestle which is 100 ft. high. The length I have not obtained. The best idea of the height is obtained by trying to follow down from the track to timber on the further side, and noticing the narrowness of the structure. My camera was standing about 20 feet above the lowest ground crossed. A watchmen is obliged to cross the trestle after the passage of every train day and night to see that no sparks have fallen from the engine. There is no plank for him to walk on...76.D(47); July 25, 1884, Friday 4:45 pm, raining.'
Driving Along Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Near Harpers Ferry, W. Va.
Description:
Color postcard of a ca. 1918 touring car driving next to the the C&O Canal. The Harpers Ferry bridge crossing the confluence of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers is in the background.