So after we left Manassas and the battle of Bull Run, we drove to Harper's Ferry. We arrived at the HF Econo Lodge to spend the night. As soon as we crossed from Maryland to West Virginia the GPS lost signal. "Welcome to West Virgina. We don't call people." Luckily the Econo Lodge was just over the bridge. Harper's Ferry is a historic town with a lot happening. It is located at the corner of Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. It is also where the Shenandoah River hits and joins the Potomic River. Needless to say it is very pretty and their are lots of signs. The historic part of the town is a recreation of mid-late 1800's business district. Your quick history lesson: Remember that guy you learned about in 8th grade history, John Brown the abolitionist? No? Well he tried to arm the slaves to start a battle to end slavery starting in Harper's Ferry. He was hanged. He should have waited a few years because the civil war started 2 years later. Harper's Ferry was also home of the largest Union surrender of the war. 12,500 Union troops were captured and told not to fight anymore until they were all traded for captured Confederates. Imagine half a full baseball stadium. Surrendering. And then someone saying, "Right so we can't actually put all of you in prison, so just promise me you wont fight 'till I say ok -ok?" The honor system was awesome in the 1800's.
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| These handy things were everywhere! |
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| John Brown's Fort. It was only here some of the time. Apparently they moved this building around a lot in the 1800's. Brick by Brick. |
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| A view of the Shenandoah River from near Chambers' Farm and one of the foundations of John Brown's Fort on the Murphy-Chambers Farm Trial. |
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