Harper's Ferry, West Virginia - 23 thru 29 Jul 2014

  Harper's Ferry, West Virginia lies in the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.  We journeyed there to investigate the rich history of the area.

 It is a beautiful area, but extremely hilly and rocky.

 Many of the East Coast campgrounds were never intended for rigs as large as ours, and this one was no exception. We had to lift our front wheels completely off the ground in order to get the coach level. 

The town of Harper's Ferry is nearly as hilly as its surroundings.  There are lots of nicely preserved and restored old buildings.

 Some of them, such as this clock shop, have been recreated by the National Park Service to reflect their original purpose.

One of the most memorable events that happened here was John Brown's 1859 raid on the Harper's Ferry Arsenal.   Brown retreated to and fortified this fire house after his plans to kindle a slave revolt failed to materialize.  It was here that he was captured by a detachment of Marines under the command of Colonel Robert E. Lee.

During his foray into Maryland, across the Potomac River, Lee, by then a Confederate General, sent two of his most capable generals,  Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and A.P. Hill, to capture Harper's Ferry, which sat on his preferred supply line.  In command of the Union Forces was, less than capable, Colonel Miles Dixon.  The outcome was inevitable.  The battery at the edge of this grassy area was under Hill's command.

Not far from Harper's Ferry is Charles Town.  Founded by Charles Washington, George's youngest brother.  James Madison married Dolly at Charles' estate, "Happy Retreat."  Many of the streets are named after his brothers. 

Charles Town is the seat of Jefferson County.  John Brown was tried at the county courthouse shown here.  He was hanged two blocks away.