Harpers Ferry, Historical town at Potomac and Shenandoah rivers junction, West Virginia, United States.
Harpers Ferry sits where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac River in West Virginia, marking the eastern edge of the state. The town occupies a mountainous valley with historic buildings and museums that visitors can explore throughout the preserved area.
The town became nationally known in 1859 when John Brown attempted a raid on the federal armory to challenge slavery. This event marked a turning point in the nation's path toward the Civil War.
A college founded after the Civil War served as an educational center for African Americans and became central to civil rights advancement. Visitors can still see how education shaped the community's identity and values during this transformative period.
The town is easily explored on foot with most sites located in a compact area along the river valley. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for walking the steep streets and viewing sites throughout the area.
The headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is located here and considered the psychological center point of the entire trail. This connection links the place to one of North America's most traveled hiking routes and brings hikers from around the world.
Location: Jefferson County
Inception: 1751
Elevation above the sea: 149 m
Shares border with: Bolivar
Address: Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Website: http://harpersferrywv.us
GPS coordinates: 39.32540,-77.74360
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:10
West Virginia brings together natural landscapes and historical places. The state features waterfalls, mountain peaks, caves and old railroad lines that invite exploration. Visitors discover national forests, battlefields from America's past and mineral springs that have drawn people for generations. Places like Seneca Rocks display dramatic stone formations that rise from the landscape, while Blackwater Falls and Sandstone Falls showcase water flowing through valleys. Underground, Lost World Caverns and Smoke Hole Caverns reveal stone formations built over thousands of years. Dolly Sods Wilderness offers open highlands with expansive views across the mountains. History comes alive at Harper's Ferry, where visitors walk through sites connected to pivotal moments in American history. The Green Bank Observatory allows visitors to learn about space observation, while the Cass Scenic Railroad carries passengers through mountain scenery. Ghost towns like Thurmond stand as reminders of mining days gone by. From the mineral springs of Berkeley Springs to parks scattered throughout the state, West Virginia offers both outdoor adventure and glimpses into the past.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
1.2 km
B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing
1.3 km
Harpers Ferry Historic District
220 m
Virginius Island, West Virginia
576 m
Lee-Longsworth House
285 m
1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry Museum
1.2 km
A Place in Time Museum
1.2 km
John Brown's Fort (Armory Firehouse)
1.2 km
Harper House
1.1 km
Restoration Museum
1.2 km
Industry Museum
1.1 km
Lower Town Information Center
1.2 km
Wetlands Museum
1.2 km
Meriwether Lewis at Harpers Ferry
1.2 km
John Brown Museum
1.2 km
Goodloe E. Byron Memorial Pedestrian Walkway
1.4 km
CSX - Potomac River Bridge
1.3 km
Winchester and Potomac Railroad Trestle
1 km
Harpers Ferry Bollman Bridge
1.4 km
Shenandoah River Bridge
1.4 km
Harpers Ferry Town Hall
172 m
John Brown Wax Museum
1.1 km
Winchester and Potomac Railroad Bridge
1.4 km
Cook Hall
335 m
Armorer's Dwelling House
923 m
Anthony Hall
257 m
Roeder House
1.1 km
John G. Wilson Building
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