JourneyonaBike- B. Armory, Rivers Confluence (Potomac & Shenandoah), Byron Bridge - Stairs (8.28.26)

   • . ..Harpers Ferry NP (Aug & Sep 2026) Walk...   "The United States government authorized the Harpers Ferry Armory in 1794, and construction on the federal facility began in 1799. Key Dates for the Armory 1794: Congress provided funds to build two national armories, choosing Harpers Ferry as the southern location. 1795: President George Washington recommended the site in a letter to the Secretary of War. 1796: The federal government purchased 118 to 125 acres of land from the heirs of Robert Harper. 1799: Construction officially began on the industrial site. 1802: Full-scale production of weapons started, continuing until its destruction in 1861. You can learn more about its history through the National Park Service. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]