(Harpers Ferry, W.V.) — On Saturday, August 17, the American Battlefield Trust will join federal officials and representatives of the National Park Service and the Harpers Ferry Park Association for a ceremony to formally transfer the 13-acre Allstadt’s Corner property from the American Battlefield trust to the National Park Service. The protection of this property prevented the incursion of inappropriate development onto a highly visible segment of the battlefield, and furthered a long-term preservation partnership between the Trust and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Its transfer comes amid the park’s ongoing commemoration of its 75th anniversary as a unit of the National Park System.
This property, purchased by the Trust in 2014 and held in stewardship on behalf of the park, is uniquely steeped in American history. The “ordinary” -- or tavern building — still standing on the property played an important role in John Brown’s 1859 raid on the federal arsenal, while the broader Allstadt Farm saw action during the 1862 Civil War Battle of Harpers Ferry. Moreover, the historic Allstadt Farm landscape was involved in regional industrialization activities during the 1900s, forming a part of Millville, the company town associated with nearby mining operations.
Light refreshments will be provided and a tour of the property for members of the public will follow the event. Guests are asked to park at the national park visitor center and take the specially marked shuttle to the event, as no parking, except for members of the media and those with limited mobility will be available on site. Park entrance fees will be waived for attendees.
WHAT: Ceremony marking the formal transfer of historic Allstadt’s Corner from the American Battlefield Trust to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
WHO: Officials representing the American Battlefield Trust, National Park Service and Harpers Ferry Park Association
WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Allstadt’s Corner, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Shuttles from the visitor center will begin at 9:00 a.m.
About the American Battlefield Trust
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 50,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
About Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is one of more than 400 national parks cared for by the National Park Service. The 3,500-acre park preserves, protects, and interprets the nationally significant history of Harpers Ferry which includes the topics of natural heritage, industry, transportation, John Brown’s Raid, the Civil War, and African American history. Located in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, the park features over 20 miles of hiking trails. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/hafe.
About Harpers Ferry Park Association
The Harpers Ferry Park Association (HFPA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit cooperating association with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Since 1971 it has provided financial and in-kind support for the park’s education program, interpretive program, library, and research activities. HFPA’s 21st-century mission is to “enhance the visitor experience at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park by supporting the park’s interpretive and educational programs and providing aid to conservation and preservation projects.” The association publishes books, conducts workshops, raises funds through bookshop sales, and partners with other organizations to realize the highest quality interpretive support possible. www.harpersferryhistory.org