Harpers Ferry Park Association

10/30/2026

November is packed with opportunities to explore the stories, people, and places that make Harpers Ferry National Historical Park so special! Try your hand at creating art “En Plein Air” with a park ranger, explore the night skies, and more.

See what’s coming up and plan your next visit: https://www.harpersferryhistory.org/upcoming-events

Check out Harpers Ferry NHP's upcoming events here: https://nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

10/30/2026

Fog floating through Harpers Ferry this past Monday.

Did you know, on this day, October 30, 1859, Henry David Thoreau made his appeal “A Plea for Captain John Brown” in Massachusetts?

[E. Watson]

10/29/2026

It’s a postcard-perfect day in the Ferry today!

10/20/2026

10/17/2026

On the morning of October 17, 167 years ago, daylight broke in Harpers Ferry, though it wasn't the serene image depicted here.

Word was spreading of an insurrection.

Militia were arriving to confront John Brown and his men.

By that night, U.S. Marines would arrive. The next morning, under the command of Col. Robert E. Lee, J.E.B Stuart would end John Brown's raid in a matter of minutes.

[E. Watson]

10/16/2026

“Throughout the entire day, a deep solemnity pervaded the place.” —Osborne Anderson, an abolitionist with John Brown.

October 16, 1859. John Brown’s raid began with tense anticipation. The 21 members of Brown’s Provisional Army waited quietly together in their headquarters at the Kennedy Farm, just outside Sharpsburg, Maryland. The abolitionists had spent three months there, planning the raid. Tonight was their final test: could they really wage war against slavery?

At 8 PM, John Brown gave the order: “Men, get on your arms. We will proceed to the ferry.”

By 10 PM, they had seized the armory to inspire enslaved people to join their fight for freedom. But without prior communication, the people Brown hoped to liberate did not know he had come to help them. He thought his intentions would be obvious. He was wrong.

Check back tomorrow and follow along as we revisit John Brown’s raid!



Image: Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, Library of Congress

10/16/2026

On this night, 167 years ago, the town of Harpers Ferry was surprised by one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

John Brown and his provisional army commandeered control of the federal armory and began taking hostages inside the fire engine house.



[E. Watson]

10/15/2026

Join us for a unique evening with author and Certified Guide Jim Silvia as we take a look into some of the entries in his new book Minute by Minute during our History on Tap program. We will view the John Brown Raid from the inside of some of the town’s taverns and see what was happening during the Raid from the perspective of townspeople and militia who were in town while the event was going on. Learn about Foulke’s Tavern and the Gault House Saloon and how they each contributed to the events of October 16 – 18, 1859.

Please note that the chat will not be monitored during the program.

10/15/2026

"The Legend of John Brown" 5/5

In 1941, Jacob Lawrence created The Legend of John Brown, a series of paintings depicting the life of John Brown and his 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry. Due to concerns about the stability of the gouache used in the original series, Lawrence collaborated with printers in 1974 to translate the works into screen prints.

As we approach the anniversary of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, we’re sharing short videos created by our Certified Park Guides that explore the history behind five of Lawrence’s works and the events depicted in this powerful series.

Watch the video below with Certified Park Guide Jim Silvia to learn more about Painting #22 in the Lawrence collection--John Brown's conviction of treason and murder.

Interested in the details of the raid? Preorder your copy of Jim Silvia's new book, The Raid Minute by Minute. Sales support Harpers Ferry National Historical Park:
https://www.harpersferryhistory.org/product/raid-minute-minute

Interested in experiencing Harpers Ferry with a Certified Park Guide? Visit our website to reserve a private tour: https://www.harpersferryhistory.org/certified-guide-tours."

10/15/2026

Looking down on Maryland Heights from Loudoun Heights!

Due to the temporary foot bridge closure, Loudoun Heights is a wonderful alternative to the popular Maryland Heights trail for an awesome view (and a great workout!)