Archeological Investigations, Harpers Ferry, Visitor Transportation System, National Historical Park
Carpenter SL, Pousson JF, Ziek RD. 1988. Archeological Investigations, Harpers Ferry, Visitor Transportation System, National Historical Park
Investigations were conducted between 1978 and 1987 to assess and mitigate the effects on archeological resources of a new Visitor Transportation System at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia. Few artifacts, and no features, were discovered at the one prehistoric site identified within the general area of impact. (However, John Mangis's 1975 description of a private collection from the vicinity of this site is appended.) The historic resources identified were more abundant and complex, and include features deriving from early through late nineteenth century transportation systems (roads and canals), industry (water-powered mills), and domestic sites occupied by people of disparate status. Testing at several of the historic sites provided a framework for proceeding with design and construction in compliance with federal regulations and agency policy. The archeological result was the acquisition of basic data concerning the sites.