Harpers Ferry

The town sits on a point where the Shenandoah runs into the Potomac with steep ridges on three sides, which is why a federal armoury was put here and why the place changed hands repeatedly during the civil war. In October 1859 the abolitionist John Brown seized the armoury with twenty-one men intending to arm an uprising; he was captured within thirty-six hours by marines under Robert E. Lee and hanged that December, and the raid hardened positions on both sides. The lower town is preserved as a national historical park with the fire engine house Brown held, museums in the old buildings, and Jefferson Rock above. Storer College, one of the early colleges open to Black students, was founded here in 1867.

What to look for

• The confluence of two rivers - with ridges on three sides.
• The engine house Brown held - moved but preserved.
• A preserved lower town - museums in the original buildings.
• The Storer College site - founded 1867 for Black students.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Good to know

Parking is at a visitor centre with a shuttle into the lower town. Flooding closes the lower town periodically and has repeatedly. Summer weekends are busy. Paths up to the overlooks are steep.

Nearby

The Appalachian Trail passes through; the C&O Canal towpath runs along the Potomac.

Key facts