The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square.

Arsenal Square in historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square.

Arsenal Square in historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Sacrifices & Circumstances

John Brown’s 1859 attack on the U.S. Armory in Harpers Ferry redirected national attention to the question of slavery in the United States. Individuals on all sides of the conflict shaped both the community and the nation through their actions. This event explores the h......More

John Brown’s 1859 attack on the U.S. Armory in Harpers Ferry redirected national attention to the question of slavery in the United States. Individuals on all sides of the conflict shaped both the community and the nation through their actions. This event explores the human cost and lasting consequences of the raid, experienced differently by Americans across lines of race, status, and beliefs. This program will be presented at significant locations throughout Lower Town. Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.  More details will be added soon!

Throughout historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square.

Arsenal Square in historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Proceed to the Ferry: John Brown's March Commemoration

“We will proceed to the Ferry.” With these words abolitionist John Brown launched an attack on the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry—an event that helped ignite the Civil War. Follow in the footsteps of Brown’s small “Provisional Army” during this solemn five-mile hike from ......More

“We will proceed to the Ferry.” With these words abolitionist John Brown launched an attack on the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry—an event that helped ignite the Civil War. Follow in the footsteps of Brown’s small “Provisional Army” during this solemn five-mile hike from his headquarters in Washington County Maryland to Harpers Ferry. This rarely offered experience invites participants to consider how acts of moral conviction have influenced the nation’s course across generations. In addition to the processional hike led by retired park Chief Historian Dennis Frye this event includes shuttle service to Brown’s headquarters at the Kennedy Farm  presentations  music  and an authentic period meal. Registration is required. Cost: $200. Space is limited. This rain-or-shine event includes elevation changes and walking on road and gravel surfaces. Co-sponsored by the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau with support from the Shepherd University Civil War Center  Washington County Maryland Sheriff’s Office  and Washington County EMS. 

Meet at the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square.

Arsenal Square in historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

At All Times Ready

America’s efforts to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence have often involved conflict, sacrifice, and profound consequences. Few events were as dramatic as John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry. Experience the raid through the perspectives of U.S. Marine......More

America’s efforts to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence have often involved conflict, sacrifice, and profound consequences. Few events were as dramatic as John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry. Experience the raid through the perspectives of U.S. Marines, townspeople, formerly enslaved men and women, and John Brown himself. Join park staff and volunteers from the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Company to explore how the raid unfolded and transformed Harpers Ferry into a key site in American civil rights history.  Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.  More details will be added soon.

Arsenal Square, historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

At All Times Ready

America’s efforts to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence have often involved conflict, sacrifice, and profound consequences. Few events were as dramatic as John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry. Experience the raid through the perspectives of U.S. Marine......More

America’s efforts to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence have often involved conflict, sacrifice, and profound consequences. Few events were as dramatic as John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry. Experience the raid through the perspectives of U.S. Marines, townspeople, formerly enslaved men and women, and John Brown himself. Join park staff and volunteers from the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Company to explore how the raid unfolded and transformed Harpers Ferry into a key site in American civil rights history.  Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.  More details will be added soon.

Arsenal Square, historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry

The Story Behind the Scenery

Join park staff for an overview of the landscape and history that made this place famous. Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.

Arsenal Square, near the John Brown Fort in Lower Town.