Posted by “This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.” -Thomas Jefferson
Harper’s Ferry is the definition of quaint. It services mostly the Appalachian Trail community since it’s a stop right off the path. Its home to small shops and history of the civil war and the railroad. Most of the historic bits sit right on the rivers’ edge and it’s well kept by the National Park Service.
In the middle of the historic district there’s the old train station, which houses some history on the area’s meaningful past.
As you look through the pictures above you can see the iterations the town made throughout it years.
John Brown was captured next to the arms depository, which he tried to rob and supply his revolutionary followers.
The bridge was destroyed during the civil war to prevent either side from getting supplies across the massive powerhouse of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
The St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church sits above most of the historic district, climbing a set of natural rock stairs to view this beautiful structure. So regal and still standing from 1830. Its beautiful, inside and out.
Jefferson’s Rock, which has a drawing rendered above, sits on the top of the same hill as St. Peter’s, overlooking the blue waters of the Shenandoah river. Looking downstream, the Potomac clashes with these waters and continues its path to the Atlantic. Pictured below is Jefferson’s Rock today. In the 1800s, the rock was restructured with pillars to hold it atop it’s original home.
Continuing past the rock up the hill, you’ll arrive at the cemetary, where the town’s founder, Robert Harper, is buried, along with his only dependent, his niece, Sarah Wager.
Wandering around some more, theres some adorable historic “shops” set up to see and museums everywhere here. Make it your day’s mission to see it all. And if you’re in the mood for a hike, go to Maryland Heights and see Harper’s Ferry from a different perspective, perhaps that of what the Union soldiers are as they marched from the north durning the Civil War.
These machines were made by the now called Pratt & Whitney Company! Crazy how their lineage can go back as far as the 1830s.
On a parting note, Harper’s Ferry does have an off season, until April really. So make sure if you’re there in the winter, you return for the summer to see this place in all its glory.
Cons:
$15 park fee if you park at the train station
Half the town is closed in the winter
Temperatures were not conducive to enjoy 3 miles of hiking
Until next time-
Jessica
Geek Havok 