As we take a journey and get transported to another era in time, we discover the romance, beauty and historic charm of Harpers Ferry in the last part of our historical tour of the Eastern Panhandle in West Virginia. We can also discover that many people and numerous happenings in this area shaped the course of our history. Originally called the Hole, Harpers Ferry is located in the water gap of the Blue Ridge Mountains and was settled by Robert Harper in the 1730’s.

In 1794 George Washington suggested Harpers Ferry as the site for a federal arsenal and armory that was built there in 1796 where Meriwether Lewis picked up rifles on his way to Pittsburgh for the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Thomas Jefferson who had visited the scenic area on October 25, 1783 viewed the passage of the Patowmack through the Blue Ridge standing on a rock that of course is now named Jefferson’s Rock where he stated, “The passage of the Patowmack through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” The Jefferson Rock is located on the Appalachian Trail right near the Harper Cemetery.

Adding a romantic touch to our tour, during the Civil War Stonewall Jackson had temporary headquarters in a building built in 1795 that now houses the Jackson Rose Bed And Breakfast located at 1141 Washington Street. Jackson wrote a letter to his wife from there and the letter dated June 8, 1861 is where he had included, “I wish you could see with me the beautiful roses in the yard and garden.” The original rose bush that Jackson wrote about is still there but was moved during renovations that took place in 1971, it now sits near the front arbor. “Visitors can come in and look at the house where there is still original fireplaces, wood floors, moldings, staircase and banister and door locks where you can take a tour through time.” Said owner Deb Hale. “We get a lot of history buffs staying here after they take a tour of the nearby battlefields.” She said. You can call (304) 535-1528 for more information.

Step back in time and envision glimpses of the past at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park that has twenty-five historical structures now all museums with exhibits. “All buildings date back to the 1800’s.” Said Public Relations Specialist Marsha Starkey. “The oldest structure is the Harper House where construction was started in 1775 and completed in 1782 it now holds an exhibit regarding the lifestyles of the armory worker.” She said. “The Feed and Grain Store that was also a hardware store was built in 1882 and now holds the Place and Time Exhibit.” She continued. “The Master Armorer’s House built in 1858-1859 was home for the master armorer who was in charge of the armory today it is our information center.” Said Marsha. “The Blacksmith Shop was erected as an armory stable in 1848 it now houses a blacksmith shop to show the craft of blacksmithing.” She said. “Where our bookstore is was a boarding house in the 1800’s, it was built in 1825-1826 by John G. Wilson.” Martha added. The John Brown’s Fort was originally built as a fire engine house in 1848 and is located in the park in the lower town historic area. “You can take the shuttle at Cavalier Heights located at Washington Street and Route 340.” Said Marsha. “The Fort was used as John Browns Headquarters and you can go inside this original fort.” She said.

Perhaps the most noted person in the history of Harpers Ferry is abolitionist John Brown whose violent crusade against slavery is said to have sparked the Civil War. He led a band of twenty-one men on October 16, 1859 and captured the US Arsenal there in his first step to liberate the slaves. The John Brown Wax Museum is in a historic building that was standing during the time of his ill-fated raid. It is located outside of the park on High Street in Harpers Ferry. This unique museum illustrates scenes from his daring raid and details of his life story have been dramatically recreated with true to life wax figures. Call (304) 535-6342 for hours and information.

“The community of Harpers Ferry is adjacent to the National Park, we are a tri-state park owning land in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland.” Martha said. Tours of the park are available seasonally call the Visitors Center at (304) 535-6298 for times. Not only part of the one hundred and twelve mile motor driven scenic loop the George Washington Heritage Trail the park is also part of the Civil War Discovery Trail recently named a National Millennium Trail by the White House, which contains more than five hundred sites in twenty-eight states to teach the story of the Civil War and the affect on America. Harpers Ferry was a strategic location during the Civil War, troops of both armies occupied the town at various times. It is here Stonewall Jackson captured a twelve thousand five hundred man Union garrison. Often considered the largest surrender of Union troops during the war.

Harpers Ferry is located in Jefferson County, West Virginia approximately fifty miles from Washington DC. For information on lodging, a walking tour map, and more info on the historic sites, you can contact the Jefferson County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-848-TOUR extension 212 or (304) 535-2627 or visit their website at www.jeffersoncountycvb.com.

For those of you that are interested in more ghostly matters, Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry are available April through November you can reach them at (304) 725-8019.