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 explanation Harpers Ferry exists, why it has performed such an essential position in historical past, and what makes a superb purpose to go to Harpers Ferry with children.
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 changing 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 Struggle 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.
As soon as a part of Virginia, the city sits at an important location on the dividing line between the North and the South. As a consequence of this perilous place, the city modified fingers eight occasions through the American Civil Struggle, 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 movement of the river. Its early industrial hub brought on it to prosper, however vicious flooding dampened the success of the city. Whereas 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 Nice Melancholy washed away its reputation as soon as once more.
At the moment, 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 mountain climbing.
Harpers Ferry can also be the house to the Appalachian Path Conservancy, and the approximate midway level on the well-known Appalachian Path (AT). As one in all just a few cities that the AT passes straight by way of, hikers additionally get pleasure from this manner 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 Nationwide Historic Park that drew us to Harpers Ferry. Not solely have been we capable of spherical out a few of the historic sights we took in on our two-week street journey by way of Virginia (together with Jamestown, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, and Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains), however we have been additionally capable of examine one other state off of Hannah’s listing of visited states.
Issues to do in Harpers Ferry with Children
Harpers Ferry is a perfect vacation spot for historical past buffs and households due to the combo of outside adventures, American historical past, historic websites, enjoyable actions, and fascinating issues to do. It’s also a superb cease for these beginning or ending their drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Go to Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park
Our first cease was the Customer Middle on the Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park. I believed 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 Guests’ Middle is admittedly only a place to park free of charge and take the courtesy shuttle bus right down to the historic Decrease City.
On the shuttle, we bought 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 capable of tour Harpers Ferry with an area 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 varied reveals, you possibly can simply discover by yourself.
Harpers Ferry has been attracting guests for over 200 years, with illustrious guests similar to George Washington and Meriwether Lewis of Lewis & Clark.
The park itself has over 20 miles of climbing trails, however in case you are enthusiastic about historical past, you’ll need to begin on the Guests Middle on Shenandoah Road. As you stroll alongside Shenandoah Road, you possibly can cease in to the bookshop on the Harpers Ferry Historic Affiliation, the Data Middle, and some of the opposite self-guided reveals. On the finish 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.
On 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 folks, 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 fireplace station, now referred to 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 City.
Only a quick yr and a half later, the Civil Struggle broke out and Harpers Ferry was confronted with extra turmoil, beginning with the Federal troops burning the arsenals when Virginia seceded. In the course of the course of the battle, Harpers Ferry modified fingers eight occasions, held 80 % of the time by Union forces.
After successful Manassas in 1862, Accomplice Basic 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 largest give up of the Union Military within the Civil Struggle. Two days later, the Accomplice troopers surrendered at Antietam.
After the battle, the Freedman’s Bureau helped feed, dress, and shelter the over 30,000 enslaved folks within the space. John Storer from Maine donated $10,000 to create a desegregated college, which later grew to become Storer School.
Even after soaking in all this historical past, there’s nonetheless extra to be seen. However earlier than you go, ask a ranger for a pack of Harpers Ferry buying and selling playing cards. Apparently, they’re out there in any respect Civil Struggle Nationwide Parks — however it’s important to ask for them!
Discover Downtown Harpers Ferry
As we climbed Excessive Road, the historic websites gave strategy to retailers, inns, eating places, and historic buildings. We wandered out and in of reward retailers, some catering to hikers coming off the Appalachian Path. Our favourite store was True Treats Historic Sweet. In contrast to another, this store claims to be the one historic sweet retailer within the U.S. Organized by time interval, we browsed shows of candies representing eras again to the 1700s. Youthful children will adore it.
Benefit from the View from The Level
However Harpers Ferry is not only about historical past. Its setting on the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers is quaintly lovely and fascinating. To totally benefit from the magnificence, stroll out to the Level for views of the river. You can too stroll right down to the river on the Harpers Ferry aspect and skip some stones or roll up your pant legs and wade within the water when the river is low.
Stroll Throughout the Pedestrian Bridge
From the Level, 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 Nationwide Historic Park (C&O Canal Towpath) and Maryland Heights, and connects the Appalachian Path from West Virginia to Maryland.
Harpers Ferry Journey Middle
For these in search of extra journey, you possibly can cross over to Purcellville, Virginia to the Harpers Ferry Journey Middle. 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 all the things they’ve to supply.
Fortunately the Journey Middle has its personal campground and cabins so you possibly can keep on-site. The Harpers Ferry Journey Middle gives white water rafting, river tubing (each white water and flat water), zip line cover tour, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, climbing, segway excursions, an aerial journey park, and even a leaping pillow. Older children will love the thrills and enjoyable issues to do right here.
There may be 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 admittedly flowing and we are able to lastly get in some river tubing, or within the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
Trip 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 children who love trains!) The prepare experience takes a 3-hour journey by way of the gorgeous South Department Valley, with lovely views of the Appalachian Mountains, rolling farmland, and the South Department of the Potomac River.
The prepare is a restored diesel locomotive and has classic passenger automobiles that supply comfy seating and enormous home windows for viewing. The spotlight of the journey is a bit of the route generally known as the Trough, the place the prepare passes by way of a slim gorge with steep cliffs on both aspect. Passengers may also typically spot wildlife from the prepare, together with bald eagles.
In the course of the journey, the conductor offers fascinating commentary concerning the historical past and geology of the realm, making it an academic expertise for teenagers and adults.
Go to the Harpers Ferry Toy Prepare Museum
The Harpers Ferry Toy Prepare Museum is a small museum within the historic Decrease City space that options a big assortment of classic and trendy toy trains, in addition to different mannequin train-related reveals. It’s a excellent place for households with kids of all ages, however it could be of explicit curiosity to youthful kids who’re fascinated by trains
Guests 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 teenagers.
Take a Ghost Tour
Harpers Ferry has many ghost tales and there are a number of firms that supply guided ghost excursions of the city, that are a enjoyable expertise for older children and adults.
Day Journeys from Harpers Ferry
Should you keep just a few days in Harpers Ferry, you too can plan a day journey to the encompassing space similar to:
- Gettysburg, PA: This historic city is dwelling to the Gettysburg Nationwide Navy Park, the place the Battle of Gettysburg was fought through the Civil Struggle.
- Shenandoah Nationwide Park, VA: Positioned simply south of Harpers Ferry, lovely Shenandoah options scenic drives, climbing trails, and beautiful mountain views.
- Antietam Nationwide Battlefield, MD: This historic website is the situation of the bloodiest single-day battle in American historical past, fought through the Civil Struggle.
- Frederick, MD: This charming city is understood for its historic district, which options fantastically 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 sizzling springs and historic baths.
- Catoctin Mountain Park, MD: This park options scenic drives, climbing 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 retailers and eating places.
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Nationwide Historic Park, MD: This historic website tells the story of Harriet Tubman’s work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her efforts to assist enslaved folks escape to freedom.
The place to Keep in Harpers Ferry
Should you plan on staying in or close to Harpers Ferry, just a few good family-friendly choices embrace:
- The Bavarian Inn: This resort is positioned in close by Shepherdstown, WV and includes a European-style inn with a restaurant, spa, and outside pool. We stayed right here and beloved the vibe together with the infinity pool!
- The City’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.
Discover different locations to remain in Harpers Ferry:
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