History Hunting and More at Harpers Ferry

Meander off the beaten patch to The Mountain State to experience Harpers Ferry’s historical haunts and rugged natural beauty. Known as the site of John Brown’s raid on the Armory in 1859, Harpers Ferry, WV, is an easy escape from Ashburn.

Located approximately 40 miles from our ‘burb, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry is packed with historical sites and spectacular vistas. In fact, the lower part of this compact town is ensconced within Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.  

Taking a shuttle to the Lower Town and check out the myriad exhibits and museums, including The John Brown Wax Museum. Employing voice, music and animation, the museum tells the story of abolitionist John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry. Brown, an advocate and practitioner of armed insurrections to abolish slavery, is considered by historians to have played a critical role in the start of the Civil War. The museum is located at 168 High Street. For more information, call 304-535-6342 or visit http://www.johnbrownwaxmuseum.com/.

You’ll get a genuine cardio workout by climbing the steep hand-cut steps to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. Completed in 1833, the church is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A short trail walk from the church is Jefferson Rock, where Thomas Jefferson stood on October 25, 1783. Marveling at the stunning view, he said, “This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.” Along the way to Jefferson Rock, you’ll see the ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church – one of the town’s five earliest churches.

To brush up some more on Harpers Ferry history, visit the Harpers Ferry Historical Association bookshop, located on Shenandoah Street in Lower Town. You’ll not only find a wealth of books on John Brown, Harpers Ferry history and African American history, but puzzles and games for kids as well.

Hungry? A number of eateries can be found to satisfy all palates and pocketbooks. My family and I recently lunched at the cozy Cannonball Deli, located at 148 High Street. This unpretentious eatery features pizzas, pasta, burgers and gyros. If you’d prefer a more upscale culinary experience, consider dining at The Anvil Restaurant at 1290 W Washington Street. Offering dishes ranging from crab cakes to country ham, this charmingly rustic restaurant is a great place to linger after a long day exploring the town. High Street is also dotted with shops that sell everything from wine and gourmet items to rare books and pottery.

This year also marks the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War, so Harpers Ferry will reward visitors with a variety of events and exhibits to commemorate the sesquicentennial. For a listing of upcoming events, go to http://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm.

For another hearty dose of history, step into a bygone era to tour seven historic homes throughout Jefferson and Berkeley counties during the 56^th annual Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council House and Garden Tour. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30 and May 1. For more information, visit http://www.shenandoah-potomacgardencouncil.org/.

Next time you’re in search of an out-of-the-ordinary outing, let the country roads of West Virginia transport you back in time in this treasure of a town. For Harpers Ferry visitor information, call 304-535-6029.