Our Story

Harper’s Old Country Store has been a part of the Seneca Rocks landscape for more than a century, rooted in family, resilience, and the enduring spirit of West Virginia.

The story begins in 1902, when Joseph Harper opened the doors to Harper’s Store. Through his marriage to Anna Sites, the land surrounding Seneca Rocks became part of the Harper family legacy — tying the store not only to commerce, but to the very ground it stands on.

In 1912, the store passed to D.C. Harper, who ushered in a period of growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Harper’s became a Standard Oil dealer in 1914, later earning the distinction of becoming Exxon’s oldest retail outlet in the state of West Virginia. D.C. also established the first Ford dealership and garage in the area, making the store an essential hub for both locals and travelers in the early days of the region.

From 1964 to 1984, the store was operated by D.C.’s son, Bardon “Buck” Harper. This era brought significant change as Seneca Rocks and the surrounding bottomland along the river were condemned by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the creation of the National Recreation Area — reshaping the landscape and the community around it.

The next chapter began in 1984, when Joseph and Carolyn Harper took over operations, guiding the store through decades of transformation. As tourism in Seneca Rocks grew, the store evolved alongside it, with thoughtful upgrades and the addition of the beloved Front Porch Restaurant, welcoming hikers, climbers, and visitors from around the world while remaining true to its roots.

Today, Harper’s Old Country Store continues as a family-owned and operated business, run by Cali, Ashley, Matthew, and Carolyn Harper, carrying forward more than 120 years of tradition. Alongside the store, the Front Porch Restaurant has become a welcoming place for visitors to slow down, enjoy a meal, and take in views of Seneca Rocks. Guests are still greeted with the same warmth and hospitality that have defined Harper’s for generations — often with the help of the store’s official greeters, Miley, Dani, and Bo.

Through changing times, shifting landscapes, and generations of stewardship, Harper’s remains a place where history lives on — not behind glass, but in everyday moments shared with the community and those passing through.