02/03/2023
Photos from Fossil Butte National Monument's post
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
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Welcome to the official page for Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. For more information visit http://www.nps.gov/hafe Department of the Interior.
This page is maintained by National Park Service employees at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Park Mailing Address:
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
P.O. Box 65
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Commenting policy
While this is an open forum, it is also a family friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. In addition to keeping it family friendly, we ask that you follow ou
This page is maintained by National Park Service employees at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Park Mailing Address:
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
P.O. Box 65
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Commenting policy
While this is an open forum, it is also a family friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. In addition to keeping it family friendly, we ask that you follow ou
Operating as usual
02/03/2023
Maggie Lena Walker devoted her life to civil rights advancement, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities for Jim Crow-era African Americans and women. As a bank president, newspaper editor, and fraternal leader, Walker served as an inspiration for pride and progress. Today, Walker’s home in Richmond, Virginia is preserved as Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, a tribute to her enduring legacy of vision, courage, and determination.
Black history and heritage—including achievements, contributions, and historical journeys—are remembered and commemorated in national parks across the country. Find resources to learn, teach, experience, and reflect during and beyond at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/black-history-month.htm
Image: Closeup view of a bronze statue of Maggie L. Walker in the Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza. Walker chartered the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank and served as the bank's first president, which earned her the recognition of being the first African American woman to charter a bank in the United States.
02/02/2023
It's !
Wetlands provide a source of clean water, control erosion, reduce the effects of flooding, and provide a habitat for many plant and animal species. In late 2022, the National Park Service completed the restoration of 20 acres of wetlands at the former Watergate Recreation Site within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. In the 1900s, this area was manipulated to create shallow ponds, mowed lawns, dams, and levees along Van Campens Brook which resulted in the loss of the historic wetlands. The restored wetland and stream are already benefiting the surrounding area by providing excellent bird habitat, diverse native plant species, an improved cold-water fishery in Van Campens Brook, and reduced flooding downstream during storm events.
Did you know that constructed wetlands can also be used to treat polluted water from abandoned mines? The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has used constructed wetlands at several sites, including at Flight 93 National Memorial. The Flight 93 Memorial – located on a former coal mine near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the site of the September 11, 2001, crash – honors the flight’s passengers and crew with spaces for reflection, habitat restoration, and educational initiatives. In 2012, OSMRE provided funding and technical assistance to construct wetlands and treat polluted water containing iron and manganese leaking out of the former mine into nearby streams. The wetlands are now a self-sustaining natural habitat and aquatic ecosystem.
To learn more about the Watergate Wetlands Restoration Project at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, visit: https://www.nps.gov/dewa/learn/nature/wetlands-restoration.htm
Learn more about OSMRE’s ongoing projects at: https://www.osmre.gov/news/stories/WWD
Image: Before and after photos of restored wetlands within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
02/02/2023
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is where an American legend began. Born Araminta Ross in Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Tubman resisted her enslavement from an early age and ultimately escaped alone and on her own in 1849. She returned to the Eastern Shore at least 13 times and freed more than 70 people trying to keep family and friends from being separated due to enslavement. Tubman went on to aid the US Army during the Civil War and continued to advocate for the rights of African Americans, women, and Americans with disabilities after the war.
African American history is preserved and shared in many national parks with some being created as monuments to remember specific individuals in our nation's history. Explore national parks that were named after people and visit their websites to take a deeper look at their life's achievements, contributions, and lasting legacies. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/parks-named-in-honor-of-african-americans.htm
Image: Numerous depictions of Harriet Tubman tell the story of every stage in her life and are paired with interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
02/02/2023
I’m a rodent, not a meteorologist…
It’s Groundhog Day…again. Apparently, a shadow was seen, six more weeks of winter was declared, and it’s still cold outside.
If you're not venturing out this winter, stay connected with national parks throughout the season. Many parks have virtual experiences to enjoy from the warmth of your own burrow. Follow the latest news and activities with on social media or on the web. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/winter-season.htm
02/01/2023
Investing in the future of parks! In 2023, the National Park Service is making significant advancements to increase recreational opportunities, improve visitor facilities, enhance climate and fire resilience, ensure critical moments in our shared history are honored and preserved, and provide economic benefits for people and communities throughout the country. The National Park Service will also work to build access to parks, create opportunities to tell new stories and provide experiences that help tell a history more representative of all Americans.
Learn more about upcoming projects that will enable the National Park Service to continue to preserve and share the nation's most important places and stories at: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/national-park-investments-in-2023.htm
02/01/2023
The Preservation of the Historic Homes of National Capital Parks-East
Every February during Black History Month and throughout the year, the National Park Service and our partners share stories, rich culture, and an invitation for all Americans to reflect on Black history in parks and communities across the country. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/black-history-month.htm
02/01/2023
“I’m going on an adventure!” - Bilbo Baggins
Whether you’re headed to Mordor to destroy the ring of power, or looking to spend a few days on the beach, it’s never too early to plan your next travels. The best way to begin a national park visit is with a trip to NPS.gov. Park websites have ideas about where to go, what to see, what to bring, what to do, and most important, what to include in your planning. Flexibility and a backup plan are key, too, in case of changing weather conditions, road closures, orc encounters, etc.
Every experience in a national park is unique. A little trip planning can ensure that your only surprises are happy ones. Is that tree talking to me? No, but you might be overheated.
Find vacation planning tips at: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/plan-like-a-park-ranger.htm
Image: A park ranger looking up at a snow-covered mountain at Mount Rainier National Park.
NPS/D. Robinson
01/31/2023
Photos from Martin Van Buren National Historic Site's post
01/31/2023
When you say yes to too many projects…
Sure! I got this! During the warmer months, it’s not unusual to see starlings or cowbirds riding on the back of a bison. All aboard!!! As far as bird transportation goes, think of it as the food car on a musty, slow moving train with multiple unscheduled stops. Nice.
What’s on the menu? Bugs! The birds get to feed on insects in the bison fur. The birds may also gather seeds displaced in the grass by the large moving animal. It’s a win-win situation for both. Except for the occasional hair ball.
Learn more about bison found in national parks at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bison
Image: A group of starlings sitting in a line on the back of a grazing bison at Wind Cave National Park, SD. Possibly wondering what the holdup is.
01/30/2023
Meet Bert and Ernie, a pair of longleaf pine pals that live on Sesame—er, Sandhill—Street.
Ernie, on the left, is in his grass stage, when the longleaf pine looks like a big clump of grass. He’s several years old. Bert, on the other hand, is growing into his “bottlebrush” stage, with shaggy needles as he reaches to the sky, perhaps around 10 years old.
During these phases of life, the shaggy awkward appearance has a purpose—the long needles protect the tree’s terminal buds from fire. Longleaf pines are adapted to occasional fires, which add nutrients to the soil and reduce competition from other trees and shrubs.
👋 Today’s photo is brought to you by the letter L, for longleaf pine.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
01/29/2023
Photos from Apostle Islands National Lakeshore's post
01/28/2023
There’s an App for that!
Download the free for interactive maps to use while visiting national parks. Many parks include places of interest, self-guided tours, and suggested trip itineraries included on their maps.
The NPS App was created by National Park Service staff—people who know national parks—to help you make the most of your visit. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm
We’re just getting started. If you don’t find what you are looking for now, check back regularly as rangers continue to add more ways for you to experience parks through the App. The National Park Service is also planning to expand features, so stay tuned for more!
Image: A ranger hat with a smartphone resting against it displays the Russell Cave National Monument page on the NPS App.
01/27/2023
If you think someone is staring at you:
1. Yawn.
2. If they yawn, they were staring.
Who's ready for a wild weekend? Pace yourself.
Image: Fox sitting in snow yawning at Yellowstone National Park. NPS/Bob Fuhrmann
01/26/2023
Timeline photos
Bison in the alpine? At nearly 8,000 ft above sea level?!
While bison are an iconic species of the Great Plains, a recent discovery in Glacier National Park's high alpine environment changed how we understand these animals and the people who interacted with them.
Find out how bison teeth helped paint a picture of the past and help us support future conservation efforts in this story: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/bison-roamed-the-mountains-too.htm
01/25/2023
Photos from Harry S Truman National Historic Site's post
01/25/2023
Red-tailed hawk: "I’m not an eagle, but I play one on TV."
Did you hear that? Must’ve been a soaring bald eagle! Wait. You say the loud screech associated with a bald eagle may belong to a different bird? True story.
Whether on a hike or watching a bald eagle soar across your TV screen, you're most likely hearing the call of the red-tailed hawk. The smaller hawk has a mightier voice than its larger cousin. Our eagle friend usually goes with a series of high-pitched whistling or piping notes, while the hawk makes the familiar hoarse, screaming kee-eeeee-arr! Do it with us. KEE-EEEEEe-ARR!!!! Now that everyone in the house is awake, go tell them about the red-tailed hawk.
What's a bird call that you know instantly who it belongs to?
Image: Young red-tailed hawk stares at camera at Colonial National Historical Park, VA. NPS/Linda Williams
01/24/2023
Photos from Capulin Volcano National Monument's post
01/23/2023
Photos from Reconstruction Era National Historical Park's post
01/22/2023
Ever wonder what these black, palm-sized leathery cases are that sometimes wash up on Gateway beaches?
Sometimes known as “mermaid’s purse,” these pouches are the egg cases of skates, a wide, flat fish that resemble rays. Each species of skate has differently shaped egg cases. These egg cases are probably from the Little Skate (Leucoraja erinacea), a skate commonly found along the Jersey shore.
Skates lay eggs year-round, so these egg cases can be found at any time of the year along Gateway’s beaches. Each egg case has four “horns” on each corner, which help anchor the case to seaweed on the bottom of the sea floor, as well as facilitate with gas and waste exchange of the growing skate embryo. When the skate embryo has finished developing, the pouch opens on one end, and the skate emerges. Most of the time, the egg cases you find washed up on shore are empty.
The egg cases pictured above were found on Sandy Hook after the Christmas Eve flooding, most likely washed ashore by the rough surf and tall waves.
NPS image: 4 black, leathery egg cases lying in the sand
LT
01/22/2023
Photos from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area's post
01/21/2023
I believe I can fly….
Aww, nuts!!!
Flying squirrels are found in many national parks. But this is a rock squirrel. Although the rock squirrel belongs to the ground squirrel family, it can be seen reaching for the sky by climbing boulders, rocks, and trees. Although they may look cute and come right up to you, please remember that squirrels are wild animals—don't feed them, and keep your distance—because they can bite, usually from the front, or “bitey end.”
Image: A rock squirrel attempting to sploot but ending up with a splat at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM. NPS/Anthony Mazzucco
01/20/2023
Just horsing around...
Have an “itch” to travel? Come on over to Assateague Island!
Make sure to stop into the National Seashore visitor center to check out the exhibits, aquariums, and bookstore before grabbing a map and heading out to explore!
The Maryland District visitor center is open daily from 9am-4pm and the Tom’s Cove visitor center is open Fridays through Mondays from 9am-4pm.
NPS Photos: C. Cook
01/19/2023
Cool story, Poe.
On this day in 1809, Edgar Allan Poe, notable writer, poet, editor, and literary critic best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Poe lived in several places where he left his mark, including Richmond, Virginia, Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City. Have you visited a site connected to Poe?
The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia preserves the home once rented by Poe. The site is managed part of Independence NHP, Edgar Allan Poe NHS & Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM. Though he lived in many houses over several years in Philadelphia (1838 to 1844), it is the only one which still survives. While living in Philadelphia, Poe published some of his most well-known works, including "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," and "The Gold-Bug." What’s your favorite literary work written by Poe?
Are you an avid reader? Did you know the National Park Service preserves the work and world of many great writers, poets, and storytellers? Explore the places and stories that inspired their most-notable works at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/literature
Epilogue: Did you know Poe enlisted in the US Army in 1827? During his time with the Army, he was assigned several different posts, including Fort Moultrie and Fortress Monroe which today are managed by the National Parks Service as Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument.
Image: The home once rented by American author Edgar Allan Poe, located at 532 N. 7th Street, in the Spring Garden neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
01/19/2023
01/19/2023
Photos from Yosemite National Park's post
01/18/2023
📣 If you’re interested in biology, fisheries, aquaculture, ecology, or environmental science, this new Fish and Feathers program might interest you! The program is funded by the National Park Service (NPS) and administered by Environment for the Americas! Interns will focus on supporting, implementing, and possibly leading community outreach programs that focus on fishing and birding activities. The overall goal is to increase diverse community engagement with NPS partners during the program and in years to come.
Through this program, interns will get to:
✅ Reach out to local communities to increase engagement in fishing and birdwatching
✅ Understand regulations regarding fishing and ethical birding and communicate this information to program participants
✅ Lead and/or support the implementation of fishing and birding program
✅ Manage and maintain program equipment
Apply by Monday, February 6th to work as a Fish and Feathers intern at national parks, such as Niobrara National Scenic River, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Indiana Dunes National Park, Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Everglades National Park, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, American Memorial Park, Gateway National Recreation Area, Grand Portage National Monument, Big Thicket National Preserve, War in the Pacific National Historical Park, and Bandelier National Monument ➡️ https://environmentamericas.org/diversity-internships/available-internships/
📸 Courtesy of Environment for the Americas - Fish and Feathers program flyer
01/17/2023
When you leave a bag of potatoes in the pantry for a month…
The walrus spends almost its entire life in the sea, primarily relying on sea ice for resting spots. Several adaptations help them with this aquatic lifestyle. Air pouches located in their upper necks keep them afloat when they are sleeping. Their head is small in comparison with its heavy body, and the upper lip is thick and fleshy with a stiff moustache made up of bristles which are important sensory
organs. Although there are other teeth in the upper jaw, it is the greatly enlarged canine teeth, called tusks, that give the walrus its distinctive “spout-like” appearance. Spudtacular!
Image: A group of walrus with long tusks at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, AK.
Address
171 Shoreline Drive
Harpers Ferry, WV
25425
General information
Page Expectations and Guidelines: We hope this will become a place where fans feel comfortable sharing information and experiences about Harpers Ferry National Historical Park with one another. While this is an open forum, it is also a family friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. Please be considerate of other fan's opinions. In addition to keeping it family friendly, we ask that you follow our posting guidelines here. If you do not comply, your message will be removed. We do not allow graphic, obscene, explicit or racial comments or submissions, nor do we allow comments that are abusive, hateful or intended to defame anyone or any organization. We do not allow solicitations or advertisements. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Such posts and/or links are subject to deletion. People who continue to post such content and/or links may be subject to page participation restrictions and/or removal from the page. We do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. We do not allow comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity. You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided. Posting of external links on this site that are intended as advertising (or to drive traffic to websites unrelated to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park), or do not contribute to dialog and discussions about Harpers Ferry may be deleted. People who continue to post such links may be subject to page participation restrictions and/or removal from the page. External links do not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the U.S. National Park Service or the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 5pm |
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Videos
"Ode to a Grape Vine" The graceful shape of a native grape is not something to mess with; It starts with a swoop, then goes straight up and is rather quite impressive. So let’s not cut the native grape that’s a natural part of forests; Instead, if you see fresh-cut grapes, tell park staff to report this. We're feeling a little inspired by our beautiful park on Random Acts of Poetry Day. Help us protect the grape vines that are an integral part of our forests. If you see evidence of illegal cuttings, please send a message to [email protected] with a photo (if possible) and a description of the location. Video description: a thick grape vine runs along the forest floor next to a decomposing log, rising to a resting place in a limb overhead. #RandomActsOfPoetryDay #HarpersFerryNPS #Poetry #RecreateResponsibly
I'm a ssssslithery ssssssnake.... Happy World Snake Day! This black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is just so smooth, slithering on Virginius Island. While black rat snakes are nonvenomous, they can set off a stench when they feel threatened or handled. A skunk snake? Similar idea. Black rat snakes, like other snake species, are incredibly important to our ecosystem. They feed on small mammals that are often considered pests. Without their presence, the whole ecosystem would be disrupted. Afraid of snakes and haven't already scrolled past? Remember to give them room and respect (mad props!): you'll enjoy your visit, and they'll keep doing their thing as a key part of life in Harpers Ferry. What snakes have you seen in your visits to Harpers Ferry? NPS/King. Video Description: Long, black snake slithers across grass, dirt, and stone. The sound of it gliding across the surface can be heard along with birds, wind, and rushing water in the background. This clip is 16 seconds long. #WorldSnakeDay #Snakes #HarpersFerryNPS
When you visit Harpers Ferry, there’s a very good chance that you will see a train. 🚂The Baltimore & Ohio and Winchester & Potomac railroad companies laid the first tracks in the mid-1830s. Today, both lines belong to CSX and are heavily trafficked by its trains. Rangers and visitors often wave to the engineers, who sometimes return greetings with a few rings of the bell or a quick blast on the horn. They are a favorite sight and sound in the Ferry. Have you ever wondered what it looked like for a historic steam locomotive to come across those railroad bridges? Imagined what it would be like to see columns of smoke and steam chuffing into the air as an iron horse races across the Potomac? On #NationalTrainDay, we decided we would show you! In 1917, the Thomas A. Edison Company sent a camera crew on a weeklong voyage along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. When they reached Harpers Ferry, the crew climbed Camp Hill and filmed two trains passing each other on the 1894 railroad bridge. Hit play and watch history happen! Video clip taken from “Down the Old Potomac,” Thomas A. Edison, Inc. 1917, Library of Congress. Introductory text reads, "Harpers' Ferry, the stronghold of John Brown, is the intersecting point of three states, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia." #Trains #HarpersFerryNPS #HarpersFerryHistory #ChooChoo
Wildlife Wednesday: Great Blue Heron
There are more ways to fish than with a pole if you’re a great blue heron! We spotted this magnificent bird catching its lunch on the Potomac River, just along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath that connects to Harpers Ferry. The highly-adaptable heron’s habitat covers most of the United States, and it thrives around all kinds of waters. It is well-suited to finding and catching fish. A patient hunter, it forages by standing still or wading slowly in shallow water, waiting for fish to swim near. It strikes its prey with a rapid thrust. Its bill is pointed and serrated, which makes it well suited to stab and grip its slippery prey. The heron’s diet isn’t limited to fish—it will also eat frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, insects, rodents, and other birds. NPS Video/Taber #WildlifeWednesday #Fishing #GreatBlueHeron #HarpersFerryNPS
Stream along lower town trail.
Recharge your wellbeing batteries. After departing your vehicle at Cavalier Heights, this 30 minute walk, called the Lower Town Trail, takes you along this stream as you make your way to see many museum and walking trail attractions. ~ Ranger Day https://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/visitor-center-to-lower-town-trail.htm
War Comes to Harpers Ferry: The Destruction of the Armory
#Onthisday 160 years ago, the sun rose over a very different Harpers Ferry. Join Ranger Jeff as he describes the destruction of the Harpers Ferry Armory and its role in the beginning of the Civil War. ~ GB *We have been made aware of the issues with the closed captioning. It will be fixed as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
In the Shadow of John Brown: War Comes to Harpers Ferry
Join Ranger Jeff as he stands at Allstadt's Crossroads, the site of the first time U.S. and Virginia Secessionist military forces would look upon each other as enemies at war, which occurred #onthisday 160 years ago. ~ GB *We have been made aware of the issues with the closed captioning. It will be fixed as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
In the Shadow of John Brown: War Comes to Harpers Ferry
Ranger George relates what happened during the first week of the Civil War and build up to possible conflict at Harpers Ferry. ~ GB *We have been made aware of the issues with the closed captioning. It will be fixed as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
War Comes to Harpers Ferry - Prelude to Secession
As we reach the 160th anniversary of the American Civil War, join Ranger Isaac as he explores the reaction to John Brown's Raid and the build-up to armed conflict. Over the course of the next few days, we will be posting a series of videos where we will discuss how the earliest days of the war affected Harpers Ferry. ~ GB *We have been made aware of the issues with the closed captioning. It will be fixed as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #JohnBrown #JohnBrownsRaid #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
A Visit from St. Nicholas
Written by Clement C. Moore in 1823, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" is one of the most well known poems in the United States. Almost two hundred years later, it still informs our basic understanding of Santa Claus. It gives us the names of his reindeer (although, you may notice one of them is pronounced slightly differently), has him climbing up and down chimneys on Christmas Eve, and gives the first inklings of what clothes he wore. While a word or two has been tweaked over time (can you pick them out?) and we now call it "The Night Before Christmas," Moore's work has withstood the test of time. A holiday classic, we present to you the story as narrated by one of our rangers, complete with original 19th century lithographs and photographs taken in one of the park exhibits. Enjoy the traditions and sensations of the season with us through this most popular tale of Santa Claus visiting a family's home. ~ GEB #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #HarpersFerry #SantaClaus #Christmas #AVisitFromStNicholas #TheNightBeforeChristmas
Old Santeclaus with Much Delight
Have you already hung up your stocking for Santa Claus? Have you been good this year? Or will you be receiving a lump of coal? Most of our modern understanding of Santa Claus came from two early nineteenth century poems. The first of these was written in 1821 by an unknown author. "Old Santeclaus With Much Delight" is one of the first American pieces about the Yuletide gift bringer. In fact, it is the first mention we see in writing of Santa Claus using a reindeer drawn sleigh to travel. Accompanying the poem were a series of eight illustrations by an unknown artist, one for each verse, and were the first American drawings of Santa. Take a moment, enjoy a piece of Holiday History, and listen to this early Christmas poem complete with the original illustrations. Check in with us Christmas Eve for that other (and far more famous) poem mentioend earlier. ~ GEB #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #HarpersFerry #Christmas #SantaClaus
At All Times Ready: The United States Marine Corps Historical Company at Harpers Ferry
In a year without a pandemic, the Marine Corps Historical Company would be in Harpers Ferry today to tell the story of the Marines who arrived from Washington, DC, to capture John Brown and restore peace to the town. In lieu of that, the USMCHC has shared with us a short video with portions of the 150th Anniversary program from 2009. They share how the Marines then and now would treat such an incident like the John Brown Raid and share some of their own views on the events that unfolded in October 1859. ~ GEB #HarpersFerry #JohnBrown #USMC #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
U.S. Marines of 1859
The Federal government's response to the John Brown Raid was to dispatch a company of U.S. Marines to Harpers Ferry. What exactly did a Marine look like in 1859? What kind of equipment did they carry? Our own Ranger Stan, with the help of Tom Frezza of the Marine Corps Historical Company standing in as an 1859 Marine, provides a visual and explanation. Stan also describes what John Brown's raiders were using against them. Bark Ranger Quinn makes a surprise guest appearance. ~ GEB #JohnBrown #HarpersFerry #JohnBrownRaid #USMC #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque
Winchester and Potomac Rails: Echoes of Industrial History
Have you ever considered that if trains, a 19th century form of transportation, were no longer able to function, what would happen to our modern economy? This 1836 Winchester and Potomac line is an engineering marvel. A wooden trestle has been in this location for all these years. It was a treat to watch a modern marvel, a new track laying machine, do its amazing work. We hope you think so too! ~Ranger Day (Source: NPS video) #findyourpark #encuentratuparque #harpersferry #railroads
Contraband: Prize of War 1862
"Men, women and little children in droves will be carried off." - Matron Goddard When the largest surrender of U.S. Troops occurred in Harpers Ferry, September 1862, 12,500 soldiers surrendered but were paroled, but close to 4 thousand people of color surrendered their freedom. ~ Ranger Day
Maryland Campaign: the Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862
#Onthisday was fought the single bloodiest day in American history: the battle of Antietam. Coming to you from the grounds of Antietam National Battlefield, Ranger Isaac recounts the story of this horrific day as we continue along with the Maryland Campaign. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #CivilWar #Antietam #MarylandCampaign #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: Battle of Shepherdstown and the Emancipation Proclamation
#Onthisday the battle of Shepherdstown began. Although a fairly small fight, it would mark the end of Lee's invasion of the North and the Maryland Campaign. With this victory, Lincoln felt able to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Ranger George wraps up our series on this campaign and how it ultimately changed the nature of the war. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #CivilWar #MarylandCampaign #Shephersdtown #BattleofShepherdstown #EmancipationProclamation #400Years #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: Colonel Dixon Stansbury Miles, Defender of Harpers Ferry
#Onthisday Colonel Dixon Miles was mortally wounded by a Confederate artillery shell. But who was he? Unlike his opponent, the famous "Stonewall" Jackson, Dixon Miles has not been well remembered by history. Join Ranger Jeff as he relates the life of Dixon Miles. ~ GEB #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #MarylandCampaign #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: A Profile of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson
Ranger Creighton gives you a brief profile of the famous Stonewall Jackson and his prior experience at Harpers Ferry before being ordered to capture the Union garrison there during the Maryland Campaign of 1862 ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #HarpersFerry #BattleofHarpersFerry #CivilWar #StonewallJackson #MarylandCampaign #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry [Audio Description: Man in park ranger uniform standing in front of stone wall.]
Maryland Campaign: The Surrender, September 15, 1862
#Onthisday General Thomas J. Jackson won what is often considered his greatest victory: the capture of the Harpers Ferry garrison. Ranger Isaac wraps up the Battle of Harpers Ferry, describing the final moments of the battle and the surrender as we continue through the Maryland Campaign. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #BattleofHarpersFerry #MarylandCampaign #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: A Grand Escape and a Sealed Fate, September 15, 1862
#Onthisday in the early hours of the morning, the Union garrison at Harpers Ferry was both suddenly nearly 1,600 soldiers fewer and threatened by even more Confederate cannons from multiple directions. Join Ranger George as he describes how Colonel Benjamin F. "Grimes" Davis leads the cavalry to safety, and how General A. P. Hill seals the Union garrison's fate. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #CivilWar #HarpersFerry #BattleofHarpersFerry #MarylandCampaign #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: Jackson's Bombardment, September 14, 1862
#Onthisday General Jackson finally had all three columns converging on Harpers Ferry in position. Ranger George describes the massive artillery barrage Jackson released on the Union garrison and their reaction to it. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #CivilWar #StonewallJackson #HarpersFerry #MarylandCampaign #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: South Mountain and the Collapse of Lee's Plans, September 14, 1862
#Onthisday in 1862 Confederate General Robert E. Lee found himself suddenly facing the Army of the Potomac while his army was still divided. As we continue with the Maryland Campaign, Ranger Isaac relates what George McClellan has been up to during all this time and summarizes the battle(s) of South Mountain (filmed at the National War Correspondents Memorial at Crampton's Gap). ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #CivilWar #MarylandCampaign #SouthMountain #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry [Audio description: man in ranger uniform standing in front of a small grassy field surrounded by trees]
Maryland Campaign: A View from the Naval Battery, September 13, 1862
#Onthisday the battle of Harpers Ferry raged, with the focal point being Maryland Heights. Earlier today, Ranger George described the fighting at the crest of Maryland Heights. Now, Ranger Isaac brings you what was going on with Colonel Thomas Ford, the man responsible for supervising the defense of Maryland Heights, all from Ford's headquarters at the Naval Battery, which is still visible along the Maryland Heights Trail today! ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #MarylandCampaign #BattleofHarpersFerry #MarylandHeights #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: the Battle for Maryland Heights, September 13, 1862
#Onthisday in 1862 raged the fight for Maryland Heights, the bloodiest part of the battle of Harpers Ferry. Our rangers hiked up the Old Stone Fort Trail on Maryland Heights to be one the scene. Join Ranger George as he describes the fighting that occurred atop this mountain. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #BattleofHarpersFerry #MarylandHeights #MarylandCampaign #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: The Confederate Advance on Harpers Ferry, September 12, 1862
#Onthisday in 1862 the battle of Harpers Ferry began! Please join Ranger Isaac atop Maryland Heights as we continue with our film series on the Maryland Campaign. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #HarpersFerry #CivilWar #BattleofHarpersFerry #MarylandCampaign #MarylandHeights #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: Special Orders 191, September 9, 1862
#Onthisday in 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee drafted the now (in)famous Special Orders 191, detailing the second phase of his invasion of Maryland. Join Ranger George in our second Maryland Campaign video as he describes the situation and Lee's plans on site at Monocacy National Battlefield. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #CivilWar #SpecialOrders191 #MonocacyNationalBattlefield #MarylandCampaign #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourFerry
Maryland Campaign: Lee Crosses the Potomac, September 5, 1862
Here is the first of several videos on the Maryland Campaign of 1862! With a focus on the battle of Harpers Ferry, the rangers here will be highlighting the important points of the Maryland Campaign as we approach and reach the 158th anniversary of this important series of events. For today, please join Ranger Isaac as he describes what prompted Robert E. Lee to lead the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia into Maryland and the opening phases of the campaign. ~ GEB #HarpersFerryNHP #CivilWar #MarylandCampaign #HAFE #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #Onthisday #FindYourFerry
Tip: how to care for your books
Books have been so important to coping with this challenging time. For #TBT we bring back this short video on how to preserve historic books with this tip: Gently push back the books on each side, and remove your favorite book without pulling on the top spine area, which can easily rip over time. We practice this method when cleaning and documenting original books from the Storer College library, now in our Museum Collection, and currently on display in the Mather Training Center Storer College room. (NPS Video/Hammer) ~mh #StorerCollege
Fireplace Cooking with Ranger Stan
Today, Ranger Stan goes back to the kitchen once again to see some 19th century cooking! Look for guest appearances by Bark Rangers Quinn and Quigley. #Quarantinecooking (Visual description: Man in period clothing describes the ingrediants and steps it take to cook over an open hearth)
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Our Story
Park Mailing Address: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park National Park Service P.O. Box 65 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Nearby museums
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High Street
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Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundatio
Washington Street -
Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library
Polk Street -
W Potomac Street, Brunswick
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Brunswick
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Lovettsville Historical Society and Museum
East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville -
E Burr Boulevard, Kearneysville
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Kearneysville
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Rohrersville
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E German Street, Shepherdstown
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E High Street, Sharpsburg
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Sharpsburg Civil War Ghost Tours & High Pries
E. Main Street, Sharpsburg -
Shepherdstown Pike, Keedysville
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Fairfax Street, Waterford
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Washington County Rural Heritage Museum
Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro
Other Harpers Ferry museums
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Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundatio
Washington Street -
The Living Civil War Mobile Museum
Shoreline Drive -
Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library
Polk Street -
25414
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High Street
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Potomac Ridge Bed and Breakfast
East Ridge Street
Comments
My solo hike in Harpers Ferry. Enjoy! :)
MY GREAT GRANDFATHER CORPORAL HORACE G. RIKER WAS ON MARYLAND HEIGHTS ACCORDING TO HIS 1864 DIARY IN JULY WHEN JUBAL EARY'S ARMY ARRIVED. HE WAS IN THE 161ST OHIO NATIONAL GUARD CO. E UNDER A FAMILY FRIEND FROM NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO COLONEL O.P. TAYLOR. THESE ARE A FEW PAGES OF HIS TIME FROM MAY TO SEPTEMBER 1864 IN THE 161ST OHIO.
We are new to the area...Martinsburg...and want to walk around Harpers Ferry. Is there anywhere to park close enough. ?
Is the park open today? I cannot get anyone to answer the phone...
Does anyone have a good picture taken that shows the point cliffs I'd love to see the cliffs themselves. Please post if you do..
The park has lost a great person today. Rest in peace Mr Jim. James Prentice
We were planning on hiking Maryland Heights but the trail head parking is closed/blocked. Could you let us know why?
Quick question, is the Footbridge to get to Maryland Height's Trail open to walk across?
Hello, I just joined the page and am looking for details on the park for a book I am writing. Is there anyone out there that can answer some questions about the geography of the Maryland Heights Park?
Will the park be open the day after Thanksgiving and Saturday?
Not sure if this is allowed but I lost a small gold hoop earring (pictured here) on the maryland heights trail on my way down yesterday sometime between 1 and 2pm. I think my mask took it off accidentally 😞 Anyways, they’re very sentimental to me and if found I would be enternally grateful!