The downtown of Harpers Ferry, the
little town in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle where radical
abolitionist John Brown and his freed slave compatriots made their
doomed 1859 raid, was declared a national park in 1986, insuring
the preservation of an important site in the history of both the
American Civil War History and the struggle against the injustice
of slavery. Today visitors to Harper’s Ferry can learn about
this history past in its faithfully preserved antebellum setting.
Visitors may walk its cobblestone streets and shop for free, but
those who want to enjoy the many museums and tours must obtain
a pass at the Visitors Center.
Visitors can take the Ranger Guided Tour Harpers Ferry: a Place
in History, or stop in the Storer College Building, a former teacher’s
college for freed slaves which now charts the history of the region’s
African American community. In the John Brown Museum wax effigies
tell the story of the famous raid.
Outdoor adventures in Harpers Ferry are available for hikers,
bikers and backpackers. Hiking the Maryland Heights Trail past
the old Civil War fortifications to Loudon Heights is a favorite
activity, with nice river views along the way. Jefferson’s
Rock is another popular destination, offering a good view of where
the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge. Those who want to
check out the historic C & O Canal Path can rent a bike and
follow the old tow-way on land or arrange for a raft excursion.
Bird Watchers Rejoice! Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is
70% forest and home to 170 bird species, including the Red Tailed
Hawk and the American Bald Eagle. The endangered Peregrine Falcon
is also being reintroduced to Maryland Heights as part of a multi-year
program.
