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Allstadt鈥檚 Corner, important to John Brown鈥檚 Raid, donated to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

13-acre site also played major roles the 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry and in early 20th century regional industrialization

Harpers Ferry, WV 鈥 Nearly 160 years after at Harpers Ferry, the National Park Service (NPS) today celebrated the addition of 13 acres that help tell his story. The 91茄子 purchased property known as Allstadt鈥檚 Corner, which includes Allstadt鈥檚 Ordinary, and transferred it to . The donation comes during the park鈥檚 yearlong 75th anniversary celebration.

鈥淭he events at Allstadt鈥檚 Corner shaped our nation,鈥 Superintendent H. Tyrone Brandyburg said. 鈥淭his generous donation to the American people allows the National Park Service to preserve this important place, its lessons and its stories forever. It鈥檚 an honor to be entrusted with its care.鈥

Allstadt鈥檚 Ordinary, built circa 1790, played an important role in John Brown鈥檚 1859 raid on the federal arsenal, and the surrounding farm saw action during the . The Ordinary later stood witness as industrialization and mining transformed the landscape in the 1900s.

鈥淭he donation of Allstadt鈥檚 Corner is just the latest example of the Trust working alongside Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to protect the critical landscapes involved in some of the most dramatic chapters of American history,鈥 91茄子 board member Lt. Gen. Richard Mills said. 鈥淪ince 2002 we have joined together with fellow conservation groups to add 342 acres associated with the 1862 battle to the park.鈥

The 91茄子 purchased Allstadt鈥檚 Corner with an exceptional gift from Elliotsville Plantation, Inc., a grant from the NPS American Battlefield Protection Program and private donations from individuals. The National Park Foundation, the State of West Virginia Division of Culture & History and the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission provided additional support.

鈥淚t was particularly rewarding to work with the NPS and the 91茄子 to preserve this unique and fascinating historic structure,鈥 Roxanne Quimby, co-founder of the Elliotsville Plantation, Inc., said. 鈥淚 learned a great deal about the era and the story of Allstadt鈥檚 Ordinary, and enjoyed having the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscape of the region. It鈥檚 gratifying to see the culmination of our efforts come to fruition.鈥

 

The 91茄子 has protected 542 acres at Harpers Ferry, much of it along Schoolhouse Ridge. Of those 542 acres, 342 acres have become part of the national park and the rest serve as viewsheds protected through a conservation easement.

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About the 91茄子

The 91茄子 is dedicated to preserving America鈥檚 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 .

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鈥檚 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