The Mule Falters - Harper’s Ferry NHP – Harper’s Ferry, W. Va.
N 39° 19.376 W 077° 43.718
18S E 264782 N 4356164
This is one of four markers located at “The Point” in the Lower Town Area of Harper's Ferry National Historic Park in the Town of Harper's Ferry, Jefferson County, West Virginia
Waymark Code: WMPJAB
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 09/07/2015
Views: 6
"As the railroad streaked westward from Harpers Ferry, the C&O Canal fell hopelessly behind in the race for Ohio.
Burdened by a lack of building supplies and a scarcity of skilled labor, the canal encountered serious financial problems and did not reach Cumberland, Maryland until 1850 --- eight years after the railroad reached that point. Plans to continue further westward were abandoned.
Made obsolete by the faster and less expensive railroad, the C&O Canal never attained any great measure of economic success, but did transport coal, flour, grain, and lumber to Washington for nearly 90 years. Canal operations ceased in 1924 when a flood devastated the Potomac Valley, leaving the canal in ruins."
Group that erected the marker: National Park Service
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Shenandoah Street
Harpers Ferry, WV USA
25425
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed
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