Cultural Landscape Report: Halls Island - United States Rifle Factory and the Shenandoah Riverfront

Poss, Deanna; Moss, Saylor

The purpose of this cultural landscape report is to document the history and significance of Halls Island, with an emphasis on the physical landscape features and to guide the future treatment of the natural and cultural resources remaining on site. Part I of the report, Site History, Existing Conditions and Analysis & Evaluation, documents the site’s history and examines the site’s existing conditions by identifying the historic and existing landscape features. The Analysis & Evaluation chapter explains the identified Historical Period of Significance, evaluates the overall historical integrity of the cultural landscape as well as the integrity of individual landscape features. The existing landscape features are measured against their historic character and determined to be contributing or non-contributing elements to the landscape’s identified historical period of significance. Non-contributing elements are further identified as compatible or non-compatible. Part II, Treatment, discusses a broad approach to treatment and management of cultural landscapes as defined by The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Rehabilitation is the specific treatment approach for Hall’s Island and provides an overriding framework and philosophy for the cultural landscape. This approach is fully discussed with specific recommendations for the overall site and for individual management zones. Research and inventory efforts for this report occurred primarily from April 2009 through December 2009 and the final production of graphics, analysis and treatment sections occurred in January through September 2010. Research efforts included study of both primary and secondary sources acquired from Harpers Ferry NHP Archives, the National Archives, Library of Congress the Department of Interior Library, the NPS National Capital Region Cultural Landscapes Library and online resources. Primary sources included historical maps, drawings, photographs, Ordnance Department records, and National Park Service records. Secondary sources included books, web-based information and historical and archeological reports prepared by the National Park Service. These sources provided context and background for the CLR. Field studies conducted in multiple seasons throughout 2009 and 2010 provided the basis for site analysis and evaluation. During the field studies, the CLR team examined and evaluated landscape features to determine historical significance. Base data provided by the Regional GIS Specialist included aerial photographs and GIS data for Halls Island and this data was utilized for the development of the initial basemap. GIS data included topography from aerial photography, as there have not been any recent field topographical surveys conducted for the site. Field surveys performed in 1963 and 1980 provided topographical data for portions of the site. The project basemap incorporated data from all of these sources along with supplemental field observations and limited field measurements. The treatment recommendations developed from a synthesis of the site history and the evaluation of the modern landscape. The CLR team identified seven landscape character areas/ management zones for the formation of design development. Treatment concepts were presented by the CLR team in meetings with park personnel in 2009 and early 2010 where a broad discussion of management issues were considered. All treatment recommendations included in this CLR support or follow federal standards, pre-existing park planning documents, and park needs for management, visitor access and interpretation.

Cultural Landscape Report: Halls Island - United States Rifle Factory and the Shenandoah Riverfront

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