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Harper House
West Virginia Historic Site
The oldest building in Harpers Ferry, this structure was built by Robert Harper between 1775 and 1782. It is restored and furnished with 19th century antiques. In 1775, town founder Robert Harper chose this hillside for his home. The home was completed in 1782. Unfortunately, he died that same year and never lived there. Harper had no children and left his property to his niece, Sarah Harper Wager. On September 6, 1832, Sarah's granddaughter, Sarah Ann, married Noah H. Swayne in this house. Referred to as "The Mansion," this home was owned by the Swayne family for 89 years. President Abraham Lincoln nominated Noah H. Swayne as his first appointee to the Supreme Court of the United States. Swayne served on the Court for nineteen years. He worked to improve the status of African Americans, and fought to ratify the 15the amendment which guaranteed voting rights for all citizens.
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Contact Information
National Park Service
P.O. Box 65
Harpers Ferry WV 25425
304-535-6029
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