Harper's Ferry - Must See

[NH Civil War Gal]

I'm leaving for Maryland tomorrow am and many of you contributed to what I could do with my sister in Old Alexandria. Due to a military funeral on Sunday my niece must go to, my sister and I are "cast loose" from my niece and are being given a car. My sister suggested Harper's Ferry. I was almost in a dead faint as she hates battlefield stuff and too much history, but she said she knows I love it and is willing to go if I do the driving.

She was at Arlington National Cemetery two weeks ago but wouldn't go to Arlington House (too much history she said).

So, since she WILL come with me to Harper's Ferry. What is the must thing to see and do there? We will have all day Sunday because I don't fly home till Monday. I want to try to go to the haunted bistro I mentioned in the Hauntings Forum. But that's a tiny amount of time. I want to do something real interesting. Help me please!

 

[James N.]

I'm leaving for Maryland tomorrow am and many of you contributed to what I could do with my sister in Old Alexandria. Due to a military funeral on Sunday my niece must go to, my sister and I are "cast loose" from my niece and are being given a car. My sister suggested Harper's Ferry. I was almost in a dead faint as she hates battlefield stuff and too much history, but she said she knows I love it and is willing to go if I do the driving.

She was at Arlington National Cemetery two weeks ago but wouldn't go to Arlington House (too much history she said).

So, since she WILL come with me to Harper's Ferry. What is the must thing to see and do there? We will have all day Sunday because I don't fly home till Monday. I want to try to go to the haunted bistro I mentioned in the Hauntings Forum. But that's a tiny amount of time. I want to do something real interesting. Help me please!

Peruse these:

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/john-browns-raid-on-harpers-ferry.105129/

Of course, Harpers Ferry is best known for John Brown's Raid, but also played a huge part in the Civil War too:

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/the-battle-of-harpers-ferry-jacksons-greatest-victory.104193/

 

[James N.]

I'll add that to reduce traffic through what could easily become a snarl in the restricted area with extremely limited parking, visitors currently go to the NPS Visitor Center where they take a shuttle into the historic area for walking. The area of the 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry on Schoolhouse Ridge and the Murphy Farm can be easily visited by car using the map available at the Visitor Center.

 

[DaveBrt]

The NPS enter is about 2 miles from town and, as mentioned, provides bus service to the battlefield and to town center. The old town is small and easily covered in one day, including a lunch at one of the restaurants. You can walk across the Potomac River on the RR bridge, visit several small museums and shops and visit the NPS bookstore (look for my book!). There is also a beautify Catholic church to visit. All considered, it is a perfect way to spend 2/3 of a day in a lovely little town.

 

[JOHN42768]

Great little place to visit

 

[Deleted User CS]

NH Civil War Gal. There is a great place to eat in the area and I think it is called the Bavarian Inn. Maybe some of the people from the area can tell you if I am correct with the name of the restaurant. I know it is close to Shepherdstown and the restaurant overlooks Henry Kid Douglass's boyhood home. I have been there several times but each time I didn't drive and really didn't pay attention to where we were going. Perhaps people on the forum can correct me if I am wrong. In any event, I hope you and your sister have a good time and a safe trip. David.

 

[Andrew]

Your sister is going to have a tough time avoiding history since Harpers Ferry IS history. However, there are other options.

Hiking there is great. Hikes I'd recommend, from easiest to hardest (the harder the hike, the better the view):
1) C&O Canal - hike along the Potomac. Very flat and you can walk as much or as little as you like.
2) Murphy-Chambers Farm - not too exciting and mostly flat walking, but a nice view overlooking the Shenandoah at the far end of the loop.
3) Jefferson Rock
4) Maryland Heights overlook
Talk to the folks at the visitor center for maps and more details about the hikes to determine what suits you best.

The John Brown Wax Museum is a favorite of mine. I know it's history, but it doesn't require too much reading, and... it's a wax museum.

Be aware that the entrance fee to the park is $10. Have fun.

 

[NH Civil War Gal]

The NPS enter is about 2 miles from town and, as mentioned, provides bus service to the battlefield and to town center. The old town is small and easily covered in one day, including a lunch at one of the restaurants. You can walk across the Potomac River on the RR bridge, visit several small museums and shops and visit the NPS bookstore (look for my book!). There is also a beautify Catholic church to visit. All considered, it is a perfect way to spend 2/3 of a day in a lovely little town.

I'm very happy to take a shuttle bus. What is the title of your book? Thank you all for suggestions! I've perused the Harpers Ferry thread and did not realize it was the greatest surrender until 1942. Some how that's amazing to me.

I passed through Harpers Ferry 2-years-ago, in January, in the afternoon. I ended up not stopping (I was on my way to Germantown) because it was raining hard and incredibly foggy. I felt I missed something only I couldn't see what! Hopefully the weather cooperates this time.

 

[AnnaLee]

Now that my husband and I are retired we can ride the shuttle bus free and enter the park free with our lifetime pass. We bought it about five or six years ago at the Antietam visitors center for $20. The park ranger told us recently to "hang on to it" because the price has risen to $80!

 

[AnnaLee]

There is a great place to eat in the area and I think it is called the Bavarian Inn. Maybe some of the people from the area can tell you if I am correct with the name of the restaurant. I know it is close to Shepherdstown and the restaurant overlooks Henry Kid Douglass's boyhood home.

Yes, you are correct. As you cross the bridge you can see it. The river divides it and Henry Kidd Douglas's boyhood home.

 

[Deleted User CS]

Yes, you are correct. As you cross the bridge you can see it. The river divides it and Henry Kidd Douglas's boyhood home.

AnnaLee. Thanks for the clarification. Two friends and myself would often go exploring on the Antietam Battlefield and the guy who always would drive would take us to eat at the Bavarian Inn. David.

 

[DaveBrt]

I'm very happy to take a shuttle bus. What is the title of your book? Thank you all for suggestions! I've perused the Harpers Ferry thread and did not realize it was the greatest surrender until 1942. Some how that's amazing to me.

I passed through Harpers Ferry 2-years-ago, in January, in the afternoon. I ended up not stopping (I was on my way to Germantown) because it was raining hard and incredibly foggy. I felt I missed something only I couldn't see what! Hopefully the weather cooperates this time.

My book is Locomotives Up the Turnpike, the story of the hauling away, over country roads, of 17 locomotives and 100 cars by Stonewall Jackson's forces

 

[kholland]

I'm leaving for Maryland tomorrow am and many of you contributed to what I could do with my sister in Old Alexandria. Due to a military funeral on Sunday my niece must go to, my sister and I are "cast loose" from my niece and are being given a car. My sister suggested Harper's Ferry. I was almost in a dead faint as she hates battlefield stuff and too much history, but she said she knows I love it and is willing to go if I do the driving.

She was at Arlington National Cemetery two weeks ago but wouldn't go to Arlington House (too much history she said).

So, since she WILL come with me to Harper's Ferry. What is the must thing to see and do there? We will have all day Sunday because I don't fly home till Monday. I want to try to go to the haunted bistro I mentioned in the Hauntings Forum. But that's a tiny amount of time. I want to do something real interesting. Help me please!

Speaking of hauntings I would definitely suggest the the Harpers Ferry Ghost Tours. My wife and I took this tour a few years ago and loved it. Harper's Ferry takes on a different ambience at night and especially in the fall. My wife and I fully expected to see John Brown riding down the street on our tour. Another part I love from trips there is listening to the sound of train whistles echoing through the mountain passes. So mournful.

http://www.harpersferryghost.20m.com

 

[Canadian]

I was amazed at the natural beauty of Harper's Ferry, as well as the long history the place has had - there was more to it than John Brown's raid.

 

[Canadian]

Here are a couple of photos I took there a few years ago.

 

[infomanpa]

Now that my husband and I are retired we can ride the shuttle bus free and enter the park free with our lifetime pass. We bought it about five or six years ago at the Antietam visitors center for $20. The park ranger told us recently to "hang on to it" because the price has risen to $80!

I wonder if I can sell my "extra." I recently bought 2 passes because I thought that my wife and I each needed one.

 

[Eleanor Rose]

@NH Civil War Gal, you will love Harper's Ferry. I have been several times and I always wish I could stay longer. There are some cutesy shops sprinkled around the little town that your sister may really enjoy. The book store is great! Make sure you walk across the bridge and check out the canal and tunnel on the other side. This is an easy short walk. If you're feeling energetic take the stairway up to the church. You can't miss it. The view is gorgeous and worth all the steps you will have climbed!

If possible, don't by-pass Charles Town on your drive to Harper's Ferry. We stopped off there last summer to visit the courthouse where they tried John Brown. The pictures on display, etc. were great. The fellow at the front door was extremely nice and let us wander all about.

@christian soldier gave a great recommendation for dinner. The Bavarian Inn is lovely. They serve authentic German food and it's awesome. The setting is very scenic! Old South Mountain Inn is also great for dinner. They serve southern cooking, but also offer steaks and seafood. I always enjoy the trout. The restaurant is very nice, but casual. If you go there, make sure you check out Dahlgren Chapel. It sits atop South Mountain, directly across from Old South Mountain Inn. It's beautiful and it's historic!

Have fun!!! Please give us an update and post some pics!

Old South Mountain Inn - check out this website: https://oldsouthmountaininn.com/

Dahlgren Chapel - check out this website: http://boonsborohistoricalsociety.org/dahlgren-chapel/

Boonsboro Historical Society

 

[mofederal]

I enjoyed visiting Harper's ferry very much when I went there many years ago. I think though I liked Charles Town more. There is something about the area which just opens your mind to the past.

 

[Eleanor Rose]

I enjoyed visiting Harper's ferry very much when I went there many years ago. I think though I liked Charles Town more. There is something about the area which just opens your mind to the past.

I'm glad to hear that someone else likes Charles Town. I think it gets overlooked and it is definitely work a visit.

 

[AnnaLee]

I wonder if I can sell my "extra." I recently bought 2 passes because I thought that my wife and I each needed one.

Not sure. Check with place where you bought them. Good luck.