Harpers Ferry

Introducing Harpers Ferry

The center of this town is a maddeningly cute conglomeration of steep cobblestone streets framed by the Shenandoah Mountains and River. Exhibits narrate the town’s role at the forefront of westward expansion, American industry and, most famously, the slavery debate. In 1859, old John Brown tried to spark a slave uprising here and was hung for his efforts; the incident rubbed friction between North and South into the fires of Civil War. Historic buildings and museums are accessible to those with passes, which can be found, along with parking and shuttles, north of town at the visitor center (304-535-2482; vehicle/pedestrian $6/4; 9am-5pm) off Hwy 340. Parking is incredibly limited in Harpers Ferry proper.

Last updated: Sep 21, 2008