At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Many of us probably remember a little something from our history classes about the abolitionist John Brown and his raid on the armory in a protest against slavery.
In fact, John Brown's raid helped catapult the nation into Civil War. The war had a disastrous effect on Harpers Ferry, leaving a path of destruction that wrecked the town's economy and forced many residents to flee forever. Because of the town's strategic location on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley, and near Washington, DC, United States and Confederate troops moved through Harpers Ferry frequently. The town changed hands eight times between 1861 and 1865.
Let’s explore this iconic and historic town together. Historic Lower Town is a beautiful town of brick streets, uneven sidewalks, and 19th century stone steps. Its 200-year-old buildings are literally wedged into the hills overlooking the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. We’ll visit John Brown’s Fort, the Point overlooking the confluence, and stores from yesteryear: the Dry Goods store, a Confectionary, and perhaps take a refreshing break at the White Hall Tavern.
We’ll begin our day with a potluck lunch in a Victorian Cottage style house in Harpers Ferry, built in 1887. From the windows of the house, one can enjoy a view of the confluence of rivers below, Jefferson Rock, and Maryland Heights just across the river. The furnishings of the house are over 100 years old, yet it is comfortable and fully modern with a kitchen, bathroom (upstairs), and heat.
In the spirit of the holidays and the town’s history, perhaps some of our creative members might consider cooking up a batch of Johnny Cakes, or a pan of Abigail Adams’ Apple Pan Dowdy. Recipes for these available online. Links to these dishes and others will be included in a detailed confirmation email sent on or about Nov. 22nd.
A few things to consider before you register:
- Walking Harpers Ferry can be a bit of a challenge (and maybe impossible) for those with mobility issues as sidewalks are uneven, steps are abundant, and hills abound.
- Participating will require the purchase of an Entrance Pass at the National Park Visitor center entrance station - $20/vehicle. (Car pooling suggested) or showing your National Park Pass if you have one.
- Parking is limited in Lower Town and at the Victorian House, so we strongly recommend you park at the Visitor Center and take the free shuttle bus, which runs every 10-15 minutes between 9 and 5:00 p.m. Parking in Lower Town is extremely limited and parking meters must be fed throughout the day. There are a few other smaller parking lots in Lower Town, but again, an Entrance Pass will be required to get into those lots. If parking at a metered spot, a National Park Entrance Pass must still be purchased, or displayed on windshield.
- From Lower Town, it is a climb up a steep hill and several sets of steps to reach the Victorian House where we will gather for lunch and from there begin our tour of Lower Town.
- Route 340 is closed for repairs, requiring a significant detour to get to Harper’s Ferry. The detour adds 22 miles and about 35 minutes to your drive. (Details in confirmation email).
- No dogs permitted in the Victorian house and historic buildings of Harpers Ferry so please leave them at home for this event.
Schedule for the day:
11:00 a.m. Social hour with a cup of Gunpowder Tea
12:00 p.m. 19th century potluck lunch
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Explore historic Lower Town
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Catch the shuttle bus back to Visitor Center parking lot
If you have questions before you register, email Becky@womenoutdoors.org. More information can also be found at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
This free activity is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are welcome to attend two WO events as guests. On your third event, we'll ask you to join the Mid-Atlantic Region of Women Outdoors. You can also join right now by clicking on this Join Us link.
Registration closes Tuesday, November 21st. Event is limited to 20 participants.
Bring:
- A dish to share for our potluck lunch
- Hat, gloves, layers for warmth
- Bottle of water (for lunch and our walk)
The automatic confirmation email will contain the exact meeting location for this event. A second more detailed email with information about parking, buying a park pass, shuttles, and lunch will be sent on Nov. 22nd to all who are registered for this event.
COVID-19 message
If you come down with Covid within 5 days of a Women Outdoors event, please email MidAtlantic@womenoutdoors.org and Becky@womenoutdoors.org immediately so we can notify the other participants of their possible exposure.
RSVP and Cancellation – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
If you register but then are unable to attend, please cancel your registration. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances.
If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader (see your confirmation email for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting.
To Cancel: Go to your Registration List
- Click on this event in your list.
- Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
- At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.
- Ignore the link to contact the administrator.
