 Virginius Island in 1864, seen from Jefferson Rock. Note the train and roofless building near the center. | |
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Shenandoah River, West Virginia, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°19′17″N 77°44′21″W / 39.3214898°N 77.7391595°W |
| Administration | |
Virginius Island is a formerly inhabited island of some 12 acres (4.9 ha), on the Shenandoah River in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The island was created by the Shenandoah Canal, constructed by the Patowmack Company between 1806 and 1807, which separates it from the town of Harpers Ferry. The canal was constructed to enable boats to bypass rapids on the river, and also channel water to drive machinery. In the nineteenth century Virginius Island contained Harpers Ferry's industry (aside from the Arsenal) and working-class housing: a boarding house and row houses. Virginius Island is part of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.