The Big Loop, Day 43: Harpers Ferry (16 images)

The truth is that, while I have known the Harpers Ferry location, I have had no idea of its important place in U.S. history. That all changed when I visited it with my brother and sister-in-law. A brief intro:

Situated at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, and with rail access, it was perfectly situated to harness water power and take a very early role in the Industrial Revolution, early 1800's. That is one part of the story. 

Abolishionist John Brown's raid on the arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859, designed to initiate a slave revolt in the southern states, failed, but became a kind of precursor to the Civil War. Part two.

The Civil War did come to Harpers Ferry. When all the smoke had finally cleared, Harpers Ferry had changed Federal and Confederate hands eight times. Much destruction had occurred in part three of the story!

Then floods ravaged the already-damaged waterfront, effectively ending Harper Ferry's industrial presence. One hundred years after John Brown's raid, a group led by W.E. B. Du Bois famously met there to challenge racism.

Today, enough has survived or been recreated to help visitors gain a view into its turbulent history. These photos are just a sampling from our visit there.