The Virginia General Assembly established Harper's Ferry in 1763. Thomas Jefferson visited in 1783 and it became a train town in 1833 -- when the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal reached the town and linked it to Washington D.C. John Brown raided it in 1859 and it changed hands eight times between 1861 and 1865 during the Civil War.
The town has many historic locations associated with the events, which make for an educational one-day trip. Some highlights include the John Brown Wax Museum, which recreates the story of John Brown's raid, and a wide variety of living history museums, many of which are staffed by volunteer "re-enactors" on the weekends. Guided tours, by private companies or park rangers, are also available.
Harpers Ferry's river location makes it a popular location for whitewater rafting, as well as tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. When planning a day trip, try packing a picnic lunch and renting a floating cooler. You can enjoy watery adventures and a leisurely lunch on the river bank. Plan a rafting trip during the summer and early fall, when the water is at its warmest.
Harpers Ferry is in a low-lying flood plain, surrounded on all sides by higher ground. These mountains make excellent day hikes which offer picturesque views of the river, train tracks and town below. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park system offers helpful maps for the surrounding trials.
The Appalachian Trail runs directly through Harpers Ferry, just below the town. Vacationers can walk from West Virginia to Maryland along the C&O Canal trail in just a few minutes. Trails are also on Maryland Heights (to the north of town), Loudoun Heights (to the southeast) and Bolivar Heights (to the southwest).
