Preview: On the night of October 16, 1859, John Brown led his band of twenty-one men on an abolitionist-inspired raid of Harpers Ferry. Hoping to gain access to the munitions, he envisioned the raid as the event that would spark a nationwide abolitionist movement. Although John Brown and some of his band were captured by Robert E. Lee, convicted of murder, treason, and conspiracy and hanged, this small group’s actions had an impact: The raiders’ abolitionist efforts, and their trial and punishment by their countrymen, foreshadowed the bloodiest years in the history of the United States. Sixteen months after John Brown’s arrest and execution, the Civil War broke out. For its historical significance the lower part of town has been preserved as a living-history park, the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The surrounding area, at the confluence of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers, affords scenic countryside and miles of hiking, including the Appalachian Trail. A visit to Harpers Ferry puts you near a Civil War battle site, natural springs, and enjoyable white-water rafting rides. This chapter is one complete vacation written with families in mind. It’s loaded with exciting things to do, family-friendly places to lodge and dine, recommended side trips, local sources of information, and detailed travel directions.
© Copyright Candyce H. Stapen published by The Globe Pequot Press all rights reserved.
Duration: Up to a week's worth of fun.
Best Time to Go: Year-round
This travel guide comes from:
Great Family Vacations: South Guide Book
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Date of Trip: 7/8/2003
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Harper's Ferry is a great place to camp, tour the town, take a train to Washington, D.C.
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