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Historic town · Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
The lower town of Harpers Ferry, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, with 19th‑century buildings and museums about the armory, John Brown, the Civil War and Storer School.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry grew in the 19th century around a federal armory, placed there by decision of George Washington, who took advantage of the power of the two rivers. In October 1859 the abolitionist John Brown and a small group seized the arsenal in an attempt to start a revolt against slavery. He was captured at the firehouse, tried and hanged, and the episode increased the tensions that led to the Civil War.
During the war, the town changed hands several times between Union and Confederate forces. After the war it housed Storer College, one of the first schools for freed African Americans, where in 1906 the Niagara Movement met, a precursor to major civil rights organizations.
The national historical park preserves the lower town, with cobblestone streets, houses, shops and restored workshops, many turned into small museums about the armory, the railroad, the war and African‑American history. John Brown’s Fort, the firehouse, is near the river confluence.
At the tip of town, a viewpoint shows where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac, between the slopes of the three state borders.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half a day to a full day.
Best time
From spring through fall, in the morning before tour groups arrive. In October the slopes turn colorful.
How to get there
The visitor center, with parking, is on US‑340, and shuttles take a few minutes to reach the lower town. Train arrivals disembark directly in the lower town.
Tip
Park entry is charged per vehicle or per person for those arriving on foot, by bicycle or by train; national park annual passes are accepted.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
What happened in Harpers Ferry in 1859?
The abolitionist John Brown seized the town’s federal armory in an attempt to start an uprising against slavery. He was captured and executed, and the episode heightened tensions before the Civil War.
Do you have to pay to enter Harpers Ferry?
Yes, entrance to the historical park is charged, either per vehicle or per person. Check the current fee schedule.
Where can you park in Harpers Ferry?
At the park visitor center on US‑340, from where shuttle buses run to the lower town.