The Park is in the northeastern part of the state, on the Maryland border. The Park is twenty miles southwest of Frederick, Maryland, via Highway US 340. Signs along the highway direct visitors to the Visitor Center and Parking facility by turning at the signal light on US 340.
WHEN TO VISIT
Open year round. Most activities are centered around the Spring and Summer months. During Fall, activities are usually restricted to weekends. A Christmas festival is held the first weekend in December. Peak visitor month is May. Climate: Winter, 28 to 44 degrees F; Summer, 80 to 88 degrees F.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Because of its strategic location at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, this town changed hands eight times during the Civil War. John Brown's raid took place here October 16, 1859. He was a radical abolitionist whose attempt to free the slaves cost many lives. He planned to invade the South, so he and 18 followers raided and captured the United States arsenal here, but failed to escape. Local militia surrounded the arsenal; two days later, Colonel Robert E. Lee forced the fort open and delivered Brown to the state for trial. Brown was convicted of treason and hanged December 2.
Visitor activities include an interpretive audiovisual program, walking tours, living history demonstrations, mountain climbing, hiking, and fishing. Campgrounds are located nearby at Camp Resort and Canal Campground. Food, supplies, and overnight accommodations are available in Harpers Ferry, Boliver, and Charles Town. Other nearby places of interest include Antietam National Battlefield and Gettysburg.
