Unique both historically and geographically, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park has long been associated with famous names such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Brown, and "Stonewall" Jackson. Located at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland, Harpers Ferry is a point in time and place, mind and heart where some of the most notable people and events have merged to influence the course of this nation's history. It was this scenic spot that bore witness to the birth of the first successful American railroad, John Brown's attack on slavery and the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War. Gorgeous rock cliffs that tower above the calm, creeping blue river offer breathtaking views in the late afternoon, bathed in a swath of orange sun. It was that very sight that inspired Thomas Jefferson's quote, "The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature."

Harpers Ferry is the perfect destination for the traveler inspired by both natural beauty and a heavy dose of historical relevance. Today, visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences. Take a ranger-guided tour through John Brown's Raid or Stonewall's brilliant victory; embark on a slow and scenic canoe crawl down the river or a fast and furious rafting slide through the rapids; venture on your own hike, 1,448 feet up Maryland Heights Mountain for a panoramic view of the town and the rivers below. The park sponsors a series of special events and living history programs throughout the year that relate the history of the park and give accounts of the men and women whose contributions have made Harper's Ferry such a significant part of our national heritage. It is truly an inspiring and required destination on any trip through the mid-Atlantic.