Harpers Ferry, West Virginia squats on the confluence of the mighty Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, and likewise on the intersection of each historical past and journey. That strategic location is the rationale Harpers Ferry exists, why it has performed such an essential function in historical past, and what makes motive to go to Harpers Ferry with youngsters.
About Harpers Ferry, WV
In Colonial Days, settlers acknowledged the ability of those rivers and established mills and trade in Harpers Ferry, which was named after Robert Harper and his ferry throughout the Potomac. After turning into President, George Washington, who had visited the realm throughout his days as a surveyor, established a Federal Armory in Harpers Ferry.
It was this armory that attracted the eye of abolitionist John Brown within the pre-Civil War days. In 1859, to strike again in opposition to slavery, John Brown led a raid on this arsenal, holding his floor earlier than being apprehended by none aside from Robert E. Lee, however extra on that later.
Once a part of Virginia, the city sits at a vital location on the dividing line between the North and the South. Due to this perilous place, the city modified fingers eight occasions in the course of the American Civil War, which is lower than close by Winchester, VA, which was exchanged 72 occasions!
The destiny of this small, scenic city has risen and fallen with the circulate of the river. Its early industrial hub precipitated it to prosper, however vicious flooding dampened the success of the city. While the armory introduced it again, the arrival of the B&O Railroad made river and canal transport much less vital. The railroads additionally introduced vacationers to this scenic city, however floods and the Great Depression washed away its reputation as soon as once more.
Today, the river and its scenic setting once more entice vacationers, as does its historic significance. In Harpers Ferry, adventurers can go white water rafting, river tubing, fishing, zip-lining, and mountaineering.
Harpers Ferry can also be the house to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the approximate midway level on the well-known Appalachian Trail (AT). As one among just a few cities that the AT passes straight by way of, hikers additionally get pleasure from this fashion station for an opportunity to step again into civilization earlier than persevering with on their treks.
It was primarily the historical past and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park that drew us to Harpers Ferry. Not solely have been we in a position to spherical out a few of the historic sights we took in on our two-week highway journey by way of Virginia (together with Jamestown, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, and Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains), however we have been additionally in a position to examine one other state off of Hannah’s record of visited states.
Things to do in Harpers Ferry with Kids
Harpers Ferry is a perfect vacation spot for historical past buffs and households due to the combination of outside adventures, American historical past, historic websites, enjoyable actions, and fascinating issues to do. It can also be cease for these beginning or ending their drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Our first cease was the Visitor Center on the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. I assumed I wanted to allocate time to discover each the nationwide park and the historic city, however I quickly realized they’re one and the identical. The park is embedded within the city and the trendy city skirts across the authentic village. The Visitors’ Center is actually only a place to park without spending a dime and take the courtesy shuttle bus right down to the historic Lower Town.
On the shuttle, we acquired a quick introduction to the historical past of Harpers Ferry, from its beginnings in 1747 when Mr. Harper from Philadelphia settled there and opened a ferry crossing. We have been in a position to tour Harpers Ferry with a neighborhood Park Ranger, however in case you are keen to learn up on a little bit of historical past both earlier than you go or within the numerous reveals, you possibly can simply discover by yourself.
Harpers Ferry has been attracting guests for over 200 years, with illustrious guests akin to George Washington and Meriwether Lewis of Lewis & Clark.
The park itself has over 20 miles of mountaineering trails, however in case you are fascinated with historical past, you’ll need to begin on the Visitors Center on Shenandoah Street. As you stroll alongside Shenandoah Street, you possibly can cease in to the bookshop on the Harpers Ferry Historical Association, the Information Center, and some of the opposite self-guided reveals. At the tip of the road, you’ll discover John Brown’s Fort.
The occasion that put Harpers Ferry within the historical past books occurred in October of 1859. Abolitionist John Brown from Kansas got here to Harpers Ferry due to the Federal Armory and Arsenal. With him got here 21 followers, together with 5 free black males.
At the time, Harpers Ferry was a part of Virginia, the biggest slaveholding state within the south (West Virginia didn’t break up off till 1863.) As a part of a plan to arm enslaved individuals, Brown and his followers tried to seize the armory and through gun battles on the street, 4 townspeople and ten of his followers have been killed.
Brown took refuge in a hearth station, now known as John Brown’s Fort. He holed up there till 90 marines, led by non-other than Robert E. Lee, arrived to barter his give up. When negotiations failed, the marines stormed the tiny constructing and John Brown and 4 others have been arrested. He was later placed on trial, discovered responsible and hung in close by Charles Town.
Just a brief 12 months and a half later, the Civil War broke out and Harpers Ferry was confronted with extra turmoil, beginning with the Federal troops burning the arsenals when Virginia seceded. During the course of the struggle, Harpers Ferry modified fingers eight occasions, held 80 p.c of the time by Union forces.
After successful Manassas in 1862, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson set a triangular entice round Harpers Ferry with the intention to seize the Union troopers stationed there. Jackson captured over 4,000 prisoners, representing the most important give up of the Union Army within the Civil War. Two days later, the Confederate troopers surrendered at Antietam.
After the struggle, the Freedman’s Bureau helped feed, dress, and shelter the over 30,000 enslaved individuals within the space. John Storer from Maine donated $10,000 to create a desegregated faculty, which later grew to become Storer College.
Even after soaking in all this historical past, there’s nonetheless extra to be seen. But earlier than you go, ask a ranger for a pack of Harpers Ferry buying and selling playing cards. Apparently, they’re accessible in any respect Civil War National Parks — however you need to ask for them!
Explore Downtown Harpers Ferry
As we climbed High Street, the historic websites gave technique to outlets, inns, eating places, and historic buildings. We wandered out and in of reward outlets, some catering to hikers coming off the Appalachian Trail. Our favourite store was True Treats Historic Candy. Unlike every other, this store claims to be the one historic sweet retailer within the U.S. Arranged by time interval, we browsed shows of candies representing eras again to the 1700s. Younger youngsters will adore it.
Enjoy the View from The Point
But Harpers Ferry isn’t just about historical past. Its setting on the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers is quaintly stunning and charming. To absolutely benefit from the magnificence, stroll out to the Point for views of the river. You may also stroll right down to the river on the Harpers Ferry facet and skip some stones or roll up your pant legs and wade within the water when the river is low.
Walk Across the Pedestrian Bridge
From the Point, you possibly can stroll throughout the river utilizing the pedestrian walkway on the previous railroad bridge and hike up the opposing hill or riverbanks for excellent scenic overlooks. The bridge permits pedestrian entry between Harpers Ferry and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park (C&O Canal Towpath) and Maryland Heights, and connects the Appalachian Trail from West Virginia to Maryland.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
For these in search of extra journey, you possibly can cross over to Purcellville, Virginia to the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. We stopped in to go to and we have been bummed that we didn’t have time on this journey to make the most of a few of their choices — though we would want at the very least a weekend to do every part they’ve to supply.
Luckily the Adventure Center has its personal campground and cabins so you possibly can keep on-site. The Harpers Ferry Adventure Center gives white water rafting, river tubing (each white water and flat water), zip line cover tour, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, mountaineering, segway excursions, an aerial journey park, and even a leaping pillow. Older youngsters will love the thrills and enjoyable issues to do right here.
There is greater than sufficient in Harpers Ferry to warrant a go to and we hope to make a return journey. We have been very taken with this small city and its pure magnificence. I’d like to go to within the spring or early summer time when the river is actually flowing and we will lastly get in some river tubing, or within the fall when the foliage is at its top.
Ride the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is positioned about 25 miles south of Harpers Ferry, in Romney, West Virginia, and is a good attraction for households (particularly these with youngsters who love trains!) The prepare journey takes a 3-hour journey by way of the gorgeous South Branch Valley, with stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, rolling farmland, and the South Branch of the Potomac River.
The prepare is a restored diesel locomotive and has classic passenger automobiles that provide snug seating and enormous home windows for viewing. The spotlight of the journey is a bit of the route often called the Trough, the place the prepare passes by way of a slender gorge with steep cliffs on both facet. Passengers may also generally spot wildlife from the prepare, together with bald eagles.
During the journey, the conductor offers fascinating commentary concerning the historical past and geology of the realm, making it an academic expertise for youths and adults.
Visit the Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum
The Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum is a small museum within the historic Lower Town space that options a big assortment of classic and trendy toy trains, in addition to different mannequin train-related reveals. It is a good place for households with youngsters of all ages, however it could be of explicit curiosity to youthful youngsters who’re fascinated by trains
Visitors can view the shows, which embrace working prepare layouts, dioramas, and historic artifacts associated to the historical past of toy trains. There are additionally interactive reveals, together with prepare simulators and hands-on actions for youths.
Take a Ghost Tour
Harpers Ferry has many ghost tales and there are a number of firms that provide guided ghost excursions of the city, that are a enjoyable expertise for older youngsters and adults.
Day Trips from Harpers Ferry
If you keep a couple of days in Harpers Ferry, you may also plan a day journey to the encircling space akin to:
- Gettysburg, PA: This historic city is dwelling to the Gettysburg National Military Park, the place the Battle of Gettysburg was fought in the course of the Civil War.
- Shenandoah National Park, VA: Located simply south of Harpers Ferry, stunning Shenandoah options scenic drives, mountaineering trails, and beautiful mountain views.
- Antietam National Battlefield, MD: This historic web site is the situation of the bloodiest single-day battle in American historical past, fought in the course of the Civil War.
- Frederick, MD: This charming city is understood for its historic district, which options superbly preserved 18th and Nineteenth-century buildings.
- Berkeley Springs, WV: This picturesque spa city is positioned about an hour and a half from Harpers Ferry and is understood for its pure scorching springs and historic baths.
- Catoctin Mountain Park, MD: This park options scenic drives, mountaineering trails, and historic websites, together with the presidential retreat of Camp David.
- Shepherdstown, WV: This small city is understood for its quaint downtown space, historic buildings, and charming outlets and eating places.
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, MD: This historic web site tells the story of Harriet Tubman’s work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her efforts to assist enslaved individuals escape to freedom.
Where to Stay in Harpers Ferry
If you intend on staying in or close to Harpers Ferry, a couple of good family-friendly choices embrace:
- The Bavarian Inn: This lodge is positioned in close by Shepherdstown, WV and incorporates a European-style inn with a restaurant, spa, and outside pool. We stayed right here and liked the vibe together with the infinity pool!
- The Town’s Inn: This historic mattress and breakfast is positioned within the coronary heart of Harpers Ferry and options rooms with vintage furnishings and a complimentary breakfast.
- KOA Harpers Ferry: This campground is positioned simply outdoors of Harpers Ferry and options tent and RV tenting, in addition to cabins and deluxe cabins for hire.
Find different locations to remain in Harpers Ferry:
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