Lumber River - Harper's Ferry Church

Harpers Ferry Landing is one of the older documented crossings of Drowning Creek as the blackwater river was commonly known before a NC General Assembly law formally named it the Lumber RIver in 1809. The waterway has long been called the Lumbee River by the local Indigenous and other communities throughout the region. James Lowrie, a prominent forefather of the local Lumbee and Tuscarora Indian communities, built a tavern during the Revolutionary War at the location of the established ferry crossing. On July 18, 1886, Harpers Ferry Missionary Baptist Church (south side of the river near landing) was established at the site preaching held at a brush arbor. The first building was built in 1887 on an acre of land, and later that year, the church petitioned the all-Indian Burnt Swamp Baptist Association for membership. Subsequent church sanctuaries were built in 1936 and 1970, with a family life center constructed 1987. There are two church cemeteries, one across from the church on the north side of the Lumber River, and a newer section south of the church along Hwy 710. In addition to being the site of a historic ferry, tavern and church community, the landing site has long been known as a gathering place, boat landing, fishing spot, location for baptisms, and other recreational, social and cultural activities. Note: The section of the river is fast moving and the landing location is posted "No Swimming"/"At Your Own Risk".