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Glite Dictionary
Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry

6.9
A small town in northeast West Virginia known for John Brown's 1859 raid
  • proper noun
  • /ˈhɑːrpərz ˈfɛri/
translation icon : Harpers Ferry
  • The raid at Harpers Ferry was a turning point in the abolitionist movement.

Examples

  • Harpers Ferry, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, played a crucial role in the events leading up to the Civil War.

  • She attended a reenactment of John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry.

  • Many tourists visit Harpers Ferry to learn about its role in American history.

  • I visited Harpers Ferry last summer.

  • Have you ever been to Harpers Ferry?

  • Harpers Ferry is known for its historical significance as the site of Harpers Ferry in 1859.

  • The scenic beauty of Harpers Ferry attracts numerous visitors each year, especially those interested in American history.

Synonyms

Harper's Ferry
vsHarpers Ferry
7.2

A small town in northeast West Virginia known for John Brown's 1859 raid on a government weapons store

is the same name written without an apostrophe

Surface Forms

Harpers Ferry main

Morphology

Harpers + Ferry

Harpers Ferry is a proper name for a specific town and its historic significance cannot be derived from the constituent words. A B1 learner who knows 'ferry' and the surname 'Harper' would likely interpret it literally (e.g. a ferry associated with someone named Harper) and would not infer the place or its historical meaning, so the expression is not compositionally transparent.

Etymology

Harpers Ferry was named for the Harper family who ran a ferry across the river, so people called the place Harper's ferry. The town became famous when John Brown led a 1859 'raid' on a federal weapons store there, so today Harpers Ferry often brings to mind that historic town and event.