"Wild and Wonderful West Virginia!!" West Virginia by lmkluque

West Virginia Travel Guide: 1,243 reviews and 2,591 photos

Postcard: Map of West Virginia - West Virginia

An Unforgettable Day Trip!

Welcome to my West Virginia page,

The border of West Virginia was close enough to Washington D.C. so, we went for the day, especially to visit Harper's Ferry. It was an excellent choice for a nice day trip, but I'd also have liked to spend a few days there.

Harper's Ferry, is a small town, full of early U.S. history. It is situated on the Potomac River, about 55 miles northwest of D.C. The Potomac River breaks through the Blue Ridge Mountains and meets the Shenandoah River at Harper's Ferry. The views are awesome out there, but that is not only what brought fame to this remote area.

The village was named for Robert Harper who purchased the site in 1747. The United States Armory and Arsenal was established at Haper's Ferry in 1799 and about thrity years later an era of economic and industrial growth was in full swing with the convergence of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the Winchester & Potomac Railroad, and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. All providing necessary transportation through the mountains and rivers to reach the area.

African-American History, John Brown and the Civil War really threw the spotlight on Harper's Ferry. The first black arrived here in the mid-1700s in the form of Mr. Harper's slave. Eventually, the town had about 150 slaves and about 150 freed slaves. The fanatic abolitionist, John Brown, raided the Arsenal at Harper's Ferry in 1859 to get his hands on the 100,000 weapons stored there. He planned to use the Blue Ridge Mountains for guerrilla warfare but was caught, tried and hung.

During the Civil War, Harpers Ferry, a Union garrison town attracted runaway slaves who sought refuge. At this time, Union and Confederate troops moved through Harpers Ferry frequently. The town changed hands eight times between 1861 and 1865, including the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War.

Following the Civil War, in 1867, Storer College, an integrated school designed primarily to educate former slaves but open to students of all races and both genders was established and Frederick Douglass served as a trustee. Even before the twentieth century, Jim Crow laws and legal segregation ended the promise of freedom for slaves at Harper's Ferry. It wasn't until 1954 that segregation was finally ended.

Throughout it's history the Harper's Ferry water gap has attracted human attention. Native Americans, early settlers, railroad and canal used the gap in the Blue Ridge as an avenue of travel and transport. Now, only the Harper's Ferry National Historic Park and the railroad remains as an active reminder of the town's rich heritage. If you have the opportunity see for yourself, the history and the beauty.

I hope you enjoy your visit,
Linda

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wild And Beautiful And Full Of History!
Cons:Too Much For A Day Trip
In a nutshell:Enjoy Yourself And Stay A While!

Last visit to West Virginia: Dec 1989
Intro Updated Oct 29, 2011
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Reviews (13)

Isn't This A Beautiful Spot? - West Virginia

Isn't This A Beautiful Spot? Off The Beaten Path (1)

Those of us who know something of the history of this country will recognize that The Potomac River, The Shenandoah... more travel advice

My Favorite Photo Op! Things to Do (5)

St. Peter's is beautiful but I couldn't imagine climbing these steps every Sunday for Mass! It is however worth the... more travel advice

Lower Town Things to Do (5)

Not only is the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Armory & Arsenal located here, also this is a wonderful small... more travel advice

United States Armory and Arsenal Things to Do (5)

The site of the United States Arsenal made famous by John Brown's raid, a critical event preceding the Civil War.... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Lunch in an Old Town!
Local Customs (1)
On The Eve Of Our Revolution...
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Comments (46)

balhannah Oct 27, 2011 at 4:54 PM Report Abuse

I can see why you would like to return, it really looks and sounds lovely!
Nemorino Nov 12, 2007 at 1:36 PM Report Abuse

Yes, it really does look like a lovely little town. Thanks for the historical background. I think I must have passed through here on the train years ago, but didn't get off to look around.
Doctor38 Nov 5, 2007 at 1:56 AM Report Abuse

Nice page, great pictures
Faiza-Ifrah Jan 26, 2007 at 7:46 PM Report Abuse

i visited this page 2nd time and still liked it :-)
EllenH Nov 28, 2006 at 2:55 PM Report Abuse

I love Harpers ferry! One of my first dates with my husband we were swimming in the river and he scooped me up out of the water as a BIG snake swam by. I think he had me there!
cachaseiro May 25, 2006 at 6:37 AM Report Abuse

very inspiring page linda. i´m planning to take the train out to harpers ferry in september and then hike a few hundred miles south on the appalachian trail. thanks for providing very useful info for my trip.
scottishvisitor May 25, 2005 at 9:07 AM Report Abuse

Almost Heaven West Virginia!! Good info & pictures
american_tourister Dec 9, 2004 at 5:11 AM Report Abuse

The most interesting fact about Johns Brown's raid is that he was defeated and captured by a force led by ....Captain Robert E. Lee.
Jim_Eliason Apr 25, 2004 at 4:30 PM Report Abuse

Nice WV page!
gosiaPL Dec 14, 2003 at 4:03 PM Report Abuse

What an interesting place, both for its history and the nature's beauty around there. Great pics!