Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
A 19th-century town where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, site of John Brown's raid, combining scenic beauty with history.
Harpers Ferry lies at the eastern tip of West Virginia, where two great rivers meet in a gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jefferson once said the view was 'worth crossing the Atlantic to see.' The town was the site of an early federal armory. In 1859, abolitionist John Brown raided the armory here, an event that helped trigger the Civil War. The national park preserves the 19th-century brick and stone townhouses of Lower Town, John Brown's Fort, and several small museums, and the Appalachian Trail runs through town. If you are fit, climb Maryland Heights for a panoramic view of the two rivers' confluence (about 3-4 hours round trip). For something easier, walk to Jefferson Rock. The park charges an entrance fee per vehicle (the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted). Park at the visitor center and take the shuttle into town. It is about 100 km from Washington, around 1.5 hours by car. On weekends you can also take the MARC Brunswick Line commuter train, though service is limited.
Opening hours
Park 09:00–17:00 (trails open sunrise to sunset)
Nearby sights
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Manassas National Battlefield Park
- Washington National Cathedral
- Dumbarton Oaks
- Smithsonian's National Zoo
- Georgetown
- Arlington National Cemetery
- The Phillips Collection