Harpers Ferry is the site of a long, withering battle wherein the Confederate forces outpointed the Union forces from the bluffs surrounding the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. Throughout the war, the railroad connection through Harpers Ferry between West Virginia and Maryland (to Pennsylvania) was a critical link for both sides, and the Union maintained control of that connection for most of the war. Today, passenger trains still stop at the town, a national historic site that also is completely open to motor vehicle traffic (though there is little, what with there being nowhere to park in the historic district).

Buildings and Ruins

Railroads and Rivers


Part of Harpers Ferry's ruins are also related to railroads and rivers - bridge supports that once held up trestles. As important as Harpers Ferry was to rail in the 19th century, the decline of rail mileage across the US meant that severallines would be abandoned. It's a testament to the historical importance of Harpers Ferry that an active through line plus a branch line serve the town to this very day.

Out onto US Route 340
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