Harpers Ferry National Historic Park

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park encompasses a total area of approximately 3,646 acres of land that is situated in three different counties and in three different states including Loudoun County in the state of Virginia Jefferson County in the state of West Virginia, and Washington County, in the state of Maryland. 

More specifically, the park’s land lies at the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. To access the park, visitors can use US 340 and travel approximately 65 miles west of Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland.

Today, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is managed by the National Park Service which is an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Initially, in 1944, the historic park was designated as a National Monument and soon after was declared a National Historical Park by the U.S. Congress in 1963. Additionally, the park was listed on the NRHP (National Register of Historic Places) on October 15, 1966

Several unique features make this park an interesting and exciting place to visit. First, the park includes the historic town of Harpers Ferry which is noteworthy as being a center of 19th-century industry and as the scene of John Brown's abolitionist uprising. John Brown's raid occurred here in 1859. 

Besides the park’s historical significance, there are also several recreational opportunities to be enjoyed and all of these can be experienced within 50 miles of Washington, D.C. Some of the recreational activities include rock climbing, guided tours, hiking, and fishing.

Visitors with a dog can also visit the park, but like other parks, a strict adherence to park rules is critical. The basic rules regarding dogs are as follows. Dogs should always be leashed, and dogs should be well-behaved and not destructive or disruptive towards the parks resources and other visitors to the park.