Harper's Ferry

Its a nice place to just get lost in the past. Aside from the big ad painted on the side of the hill, its virtually 1862. The lower town was the set for much of the Fredericksburg part of the movie Gods and Generals because of that very reason.

The history and natural beauty make it a great spot to see. Look across both of the rivers. I looks like you could walk across on the rocks without getting your knees wet.

If you are a Civil War buff, this is a great place to go to explore what led up to the war and the role that geography played in the war. John Brown’s Raid didn’t start the war, but it got many on both sides thinking. Imagine being in Harper’s Ferry surrounded my cannon on all three sides. Not a good place to be. Well, you now see why the Union lost Harper’s Ferry to the Confederates just prior to the battle of Antietam. It was like “shooting fish in a barrel.”

Some say Harper’s Ferry is haunted. I don’t know… I saw some strange things, but who’s to say. Go see for yourself

And ignore the “not worth it,” folks. They just don’t get it.

Harper’s Ferry offered a good mix of history (John Brown & Civil War) and nature. Just got back from a day trip.

First, we did a mini visit to the historic area. The John Brown Museum (not the wax museum, but the park-run museum) was a good history lesson as well as a remarkable accomplishment of cramming a museum into a historic building. Ate lunch at some lame place near the RR station and parking. Technically, you can park and walk into the park-sponsored sites “on the honor system” (i.e. free). Didn’t really see anywhere to park, though, except in the park service lot. Go ahead and pay the park service, park in their lot and feel good about supporting a good cause.

Then, we went on a 3-hour white water rafting trip with River Riders. More stopping and going than I had imagined white water to be, but still a fun way to spend the afternoon. The River Riders guides seemed a bit uneven with some of them on top and things and positive, and others trying their hardest to cultivate their slacker personas.

Very Historic, Great hiking, Tubing down the river, close to Charlestown racetrack and casino. Great little historic town on the tri-state.

One of my favorite local places to go and take photos. It’s under an hours drive from where I live and it’s very easy to get to.

i went here on a field trip in 7th grade and fell in love with the place. i talked my family into returning several times for a day trip. they fell in love with it too. haven’t been back in years, would love to take my wife here some day.