civil war trails
Harpers Ferry is in Jefferson County, which borders Maryland and Virginia, making this a central point to visit, if planning a Civil War history tour. This area is part of the National Park Service. Visiting the site involves paying an entrance fee, which covers your shuttle ride into the heart of the historical town.
Plan to spend about 3 hours to fully enjoy this area.
Nearby parks are also similar time frames; if planning a tour of a few parks, allow 2-3 days for this area.
Plan to spend about 3 hours to fully enjoy this area.
Nearby parks are also similar time frames; if planning a tour of a few parks, allow 2-3 days for this area.
taking in the town
Although it is mostly been preserved and ran as a historical point, there are a few modern pieces, such as cafes/restaurants, gift shops, and St. Peter's Church, which are all worth a visit. The church is unique, because it stood through the Civil War and endured little damage, despite the conflicts between the Union and Confederacy in this town.
At the edge of town is the Shenandoah River and the B&O Railroad, which was vital during the Civil War, and trains still occasionally pass through, and likely during you visit!
At the edge of town is the Shenandoah River and the B&O Railroad, which was vital during the Civil War, and trains still occasionally pass through, and likely during you visit!
visiting the past
Inside a saloon, a history house, and a messenger bag from a NY Soldier, 22nd Militia, E Company.
This well-kept Civil War town has vast collections and displays of life during this time. Tours are self-guided, but the area is easy to explore.
walk a part of the Appalachian trail
View of Harpers Ferry from the hiking trail
Along the trails leading to the top of this town, is a part of the Appalachian trail. If you venture far enough, a visit into the Appalachian Trail Conservancy gives a better idea of how incredible this natural mountain chain is, and even includes an idea of how many have braved the voyage of hiking the entire trail!
antietam national battlefield
(L), Observation Tower, well worth a climb. (R), View of the battlefield, with the Appalachians and Potomac in the distance.
The Battle of Antietam was the single bloodiest-day of the Civil War, and thus the cemetery section of this park is quite extensive. Located in nearby Sharpsburg, Maryland, with a nominal entrance fee, the park starts with a stop in the Visitor Center, where maps, guided tours, a museum and short film are available to get an overall grasp of this park's history.
The grounds are detailed and a great area to cover; plan for 3 hours at this site.
The grounds are detailed and a great area to cover; plan for 3 hours at this site.
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