Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is best known as the scene of abolitionist John Brown's raid in 1859 on the federal Armory there. However, the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park boasts displays on other aspects of the Civil War and pioneer life, re-enactments and more. On certain days, Civil War history comes alive, thanks to costumed interpreters, re-enactments and parades.

The restored 19th century village, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, nestles where the states of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet. Visitors will find stores and displays harking to the mid-1800s. Visitors can visit painstakingly recreated shops, churn butter, chat with a Civil War soldier, see the blacksmith and view demonstrations of 19th century crafts. Costumed interpreters, like the soldiers, pioneers and the Living History Ladies, transport visitors into the past. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for parades, re-enactments and more. 

History buffs will especially love John Brown's Fort, the fire engine house for the Harpers Ferry Armory and Arsenal that John Brown and his party took over during the raid that began on Oct. 16, 1859. Brown sought to capture weapons from the federal government to supply an uprising of abolitionists and runaway slaves and end slavery by force. Eventually subdued (by then-Colonel Robert E. Lee and his aide J.E.B. Stuart no less!), Brown was hung in Charlestown, W.V., on Dec. 2, 1859. He became a martyr for the anti-slavery cause.

Not surprisingly, Harpers Ferry gave birth to one of the United States' first integrated colleges. Storer College originally educated newly freed slaves. It set up in Lockwood House, which had housed the Armory's paymaster previously. The college closed in 1955. Visitors can see recreated classrooms for an idea of Storer College's early days. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria, and jazz great Don Redmon were both Storer graduates.

Harpers Ferry was also the site in 1906 of one of the Niagara Movement's second meeting, the first on U.S. soil. Led by writer W.E.B. DuBois, the Niagara Movement strove to end racial segregation and instill equal rights for all. The Niagara Movement eventually became the NAACP.

Other historical figures also visited Harpers Ferry. Thomas Jefferson, who visited in 1783, called Harpers Ferry "perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature." In 1803, Meriwether Lewis collected the arms he would need for his expedition across America there. Several Civil War battles were fought nearby. George Washington (prior to being president), abolitionist Frederick Douglass, President Woodrow and Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson all stopped at Harpers Ferry.

Nature lovers will enjoy the hiking, canoeing, rafting and beautiful scenery that surrounds Harpers Ferry.

During non-rush hour drive times, Harpers Ferry is located just 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., or Baltimore. Amtrak provides service to Harpers Ferry twice a day.  

Teachers can made reservations for field trips online or by calling (304) 535–6456. Students 15 or younger get in free on field trips.

- by Ivonne Rovira, Washington Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Ivonne Rovira

A graduate of the prestigious Columbia University School of Journalism in New York City, Ivonne Rovira worked as a reporter for the Miami News, The Miami Herald and The Associated Press. She has written articles for The National Catholic Reporter and The Courier-Journal. For more than 15 years, Ivonne wrote and edited articles aimed at middle-school children.