Details: Harpers Ferry, W.Va.

Video

Harpers Ferry Marks 150th Anniversary of John Brown's Raid

150 years ago in Harpers Ferry, John Brown led a raid on the town to capture weapons in an attempt to lead a slave uprising. His attempts were thwarted by U.S. troops and Brown was tried for treason and hanged.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

ESCAPE KEYS

GETTING THERE

Harpers Ferry, W.Va., is about 50 miles from the Capital Beltway. Take Interstate 270 north to I-70 west toward Hagerstown, Md., then take Exit 52 to Charles Town and Leesburg. Continue on U.S. 15/U.S. 340 west across the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and take a left onto Shenandoah Street to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center. Parking in the visitor center lot is $6. A free National Park Service shuttle takes you to the Lower Town (which will be closed to vehicular traffic Friday-Sunday).

STAYING THERE

Hotels in Harpers Ferry are booked for this weekend, but if you want to go for the entire commemoration, other alternatives include:

Turf Motel, 741 E. Washington St., Charles Town, W.Va.; 800-422-TURF, http://www.turfmotel.com. Weekend rooms start at $105.

Courtyard Frederick, 5225 Westview Dr., Frederick, 301-631-9030, http://www.marriott.com. Rooms start at $119 a night.

EATING THERE

Secret Six Tavern, 186 High St., 304-535-3044. Named after Brown's financial backers. Outdoor pub grub with a great view of the Potomac. Entrees $10 to $20.

PLAYING THERE

All events on the commemorative weekend are free. Rangers will hand out programs, including a schedule of events and a map, in the Lower Town.

Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry, 175 High St., 304-725-8019, http://www.harpersferryghost.20m.com. Tours available Monday through Saturday by reservation. Start time is 8 p.m. (Also 6 p.m. tours on weekends in October.) Tours last about an hour. $8, $5 ages 8 to 10, free for children younger than 8.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

304-535-6029, http://www.nps.gov/hafe

-- S.E.