Off The Trails: A Hiker's Guide to the Outdoors

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park

Harpers Ferry, WV

Difficulty: Varies

If you ever go to West Virginia, you have to take a day and visit this quaint small town with a lot of history. Bordering Maryland at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry, WV has a population of less than 500 and is dotted with family owned businesses and small town charm. However, there is more than local charm to this small town.

Harpers Ferry, WV is on the National Parks list. The history dates back to pre civil war and historical figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson have ties to this town. First settled in 1733 by Peter Stephens, saw a business opportunity and opened a ferry service across the Potomac River into Maryland. Robert Harper was tasked with building the structures around Virginia and West Virginia. Harper realized the benefit of the land and began purchasing what is now Harpers Ferry. In 1751 Harper purchased 126-acres and began to establish the local village.

One significant event occurred on the night of October 16, 1859 on the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. John Brown, in an attempt to incite an uprising of enslaved persons (called a slave revolt), gathered up 22 men and invaded Harpers Ferry demanding their freedom. During the night, the men took possession of the arsenal and rifle factory as well as holding 10 employees hostage. The next day the first fatality occurred. Brown’s men would murder a free African-American baggage handler at the Harpers Ferry Train Station. By Mid day on Monday, October 17th, citizens in Harpers Ferry and surrounding towns learn an armed militia is holding citizens hostage. President Buchanan, orders the U.S Marines led by Robert E. Lee and Israel Greene to attack Brown. On Tuesday October 18th, 1859, Lee and Greene attack Brown and his followers. 10 of Brown’s men and 1 marine are killed in the attack. 7 of Brown’s followers are captured and later executed and 5 escape. During the 3 day siege, 6 civilians are killed and 9 are wounded. Brown was executed on December 2nd, 1859. History regards this attack as a prelude to the American Civil War and was the first time the north tried to attack the south over slavery.

Throughout the Civil war, Harpers Ferry, WV would change hands 8 times between 1861 and 1865. The town sits where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers merge, which were strategic for survival during the war. The town was also serviced by the Baltimore and Ohio railroads (constructed in the early 1800’s as part of the westward expansion), making it a vital location for both sides. The town was very easy to capture and very hard to hold. Surrounded by hills on 3 sides and a river on the 4th, meant anyone in Harpers Ferry was open to an attack. The Civil War had a drastic effect on the town and it wasn’t until years later did the town actually make a comeback. African-Americans once enslaved in the region began to return to Harpers Ferry for freedom. By the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Harpers Ferry was considered a retreat for those living in Washington D.C and Baltimore.

Today, Harpers Ferry is considered a National Historic Park and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The town is rich with African-American history, with the first public NAACP meeting being held at Storer Collect in 1906. It is also home to John Brown’s Fort, a symbol of African-American freedom from slavery. Park stamps can be found in the Harpers Ferry bookstore and all areas within city limits are protected. The town cemetery and church are some of the popular attractions to visitors. Visitors can also explore the family owned shops nestled in buildings dating back to the 1880’s. sitting just 90-minutes from Washington D.C; this small town is a staple for all small towns in America and will be worth your time if you decide to take the detour!

Parking: 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV, 25425

Alltrails: Not frequently found on Alltrails. Parking lot at 171 Shoreline Drive has shuttle service to downtown Harpers Ferry. There is a short walking trail from this location to downtown, a distance about 1.5 to 2 miles one way. This trail is mostly along a road (with a sidewalk) and river. There is a nice waterfall and some minor rocky elevation changes (Link here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/harpers-ferry-lower-town-trail-loop).

References

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