Virginius Island

Virginius Island is located on the Shenandoah River in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. It is part of Harper's Ferry National Historical Park. It was once separated from the mainland by a river channel, then a canal. In the years before the Civil War, the island was a thriving industrial area, built on water power. At its peak in 1850, upwards of 180 people lived in 20 to 28 houses on the 13-acre island.

A once thriving island

Footbridge (Randolph Bridge) to Virginius Island

Ruins of the Shenandoah Pulp Mill

Inlet arches

The island suffered greatly during the Civil War. Floods also proved too devastating to overcome. The last inhabitants left the island in 1936. Nature has now reclaimed the island. No structures remain. But there are plenty of ruins to explore. 

The Shenandoah was a great source of power.

Under the arch

Ty enjoying the island

The Virginius Island trail offered some great views of the Shenandoah River and Ty enjoyed the opportunities to frolic in the water.

Rippling waters of the Shenandoah

So many scenic views of the Shenandoah

"Seashells" from the river