File:Harpers Ferry Salty Dog.jpg

Summary

This is an old Kodachrome of what was left of the Salty Dog saloon on the Maryland side of the river in Harpers Ferry National Park before burned in the early 1950s.

It’s a notable historic site located on Sandy Hook Road, on the Maryland side opposite Harpers Ferry, near Lock 33.

Who can tell us more about the history?

Glenn Hanes My father is 96 and when he was kid late teens, his parents would not allow him to go there because it was such a rough spot. Dad said he snuck there anyway.

Judy Ware Used to hear my family talk about people going there to dance & I guess drink a little, that it was a rough place.

• Dorothy M. Van Steinburg*

I'll tell this story again here. My grandparents lived in downtown Harpers Ferry until the 1936 flood took their home. My grandmother was once told that her sons, my uncles, were raising a ruckus over at the Salty Dog. She took her broom and traveled across the river by ferry to the Salty Dog. She took her less than 5-foot self into the tavern and threatened to beat them severely with her broom if they didn't leave with her and go home. They left immediately because Grandma didn't play.

Brenda Barger Swiger My great uncle Pat O'Brien owned it at one point I was told.

Kelly Moore Sheds & Marketplace I know Captain Raleigh Bender, who started Captain Benders Tavern in Sharpsburg was a regular customer of the Salty Dog.

(Photo courtesy of David Merchant via Experience Harper's Ferry)