View Full Version : Harper's Ferry, 1862
solstice
08-03-2010, 18:05
I was performing my daily blog-reading when I came across this post on Shorpy. I thought that some of you history/old-time photography buffs, or all you folks who just like random, cool **** like I do might appreciate this, so here:
http://www.shorpy.com/files/images/04106a.preview.jpg
Original link: http://www.shorpy.com/node/8629
Today:
http://www.travelthewholeworld.com/sitebuilder/images/West_Virginia_Harpers_Ferry_Bridge-422x311.jpg
Some other Photos
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=965275&postcount=48
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7937&stc=1&d=1265068895
http://www.shorpy.com/node/3436?size=_original
http://www.wvrailroads.net/images/5/59/B-and-O-Harpers-Ferry-Bridge.jpg
Old Grouse
08-04-2010, 17:15
Veteran, your second photo is an excellent view of the canal.
Bare Bear
08-06-2010, 11:32
Very neat, thanks for making my day.
Kerosene
08-06-2010, 14:35
It really interests me to see how areas change over long periods of time. Thanks for posting!
orangebug
08-06-2010, 17:50
I took two former foster sons there last week. We even visited the ATC HQ, getting them some pins to wear on t-shirts. The kids were confused just what was so cool about the town, other than the ice cream stands, candy stands and such. They were most disappointed that the dead baker wasn't still on his door stoop.
One thing to note in all the old photos is how the hills around Harpers are nearly completely denuded of trees. This was the case well into the twentieth century all the way thru the Shenandoahs. There are actually far more trees NOW than there were then.
It's always amazing to realize that a lot of the places we hike were at one time relatively populated. I've hiked in North Georgia quite a bit and it's interesting that what is now wilderness was at one time filled with homesteads and the like.
Graywolf
08-11-2010, 16:33
This is an awsome photo. I was talking to a friend of mine who is hiking next year about taking "blue Blazes" to interesting points. This picture is one such reason.. So much history along the trail..INCLUDING Harpers Ferry
Jester2000
08-11-2010, 17:09
One thing to note in all the old photos is how the hills around Harpers are nearly completely denuded of trees. This was the case well into the twentieth century all the way thru the Shenandoahs. There are actually far more trees NOW than there were then.
Maryland Heights in particular had very few trees on it. If you hike up Maryland Heights today, you can see the remnants of charcoal pits -- the production of charcoal (for use in furnaces and forges) was the main reason for the deforestation. The Armory, Hall's Rifle Works, and the foundry on Virginius Island would have all used charcoal.
As the trail goes right through Harpers Ferry (and you can take a picture of the old bridge while standing on the trail), there's no need to blue blaze to enjoy what Harpers Ferry has to offer.
Although I would recommend a hike up Maryland Heights if you have the time and energy.
Bare Bear
08-13-2010, 13:11
Harpers Ferry is a great 3 day stop anytime. Go see the Parks outside of HF and stop and say "HEY FROM BARE BEAR" to Laura at the Outfitters. Great folks.
copythat
08-14-2010, 03:35
Seriously - there's a John Brown War Museum in Harper's Ferry? Even in his northern hometown -- Torrington, Conn. -- his homestead was burned to the ground and is ignored, except for a single sign that indicates where it used to be.
Jester2000
08-14-2010, 11:25
Seriously - there's a John Brown War Museum in Harper's Ferry? Even in his northern hometown -- Torrington, Conn. -- his homestead was burned to the ground and is ignored, except for a single sign that indicates where it used to be.
Well yeah, but he didn't try to foment a slave uprising in Torrington. Or maybe he did, and everyone there was like, "um, we abolished slavery in 1784, so, you know, no one here is available to rise up. Thanks anyway."