Harper's Ferry, West Virginia

We spent yesterday in Harper's Ferry, WV, one of my favorite places.  Harper's Ferry stands at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, and is the point at which three states meet - West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. A train came rumbling past while Kevin and Soren were walking across the bridge from Harper's Ferry to Maryland Heights. The footbridge is actually part of the same bridge, so it gets pretty loud and a little scary to a 3 year old. But he loved it nevertheless!

Right here is where the two rivers meet, and you can see the old bridge pilings. Harper's Ferry is where, in 1859, John Brown, the abolitionist, raided the armory and was subsequently captured by Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee. He was later tried for treason and hanged. Harper's Ferry also played a part in the Civil War when the Confederate General Robert E. Lee captured the town in order to secure his supply line before heading into Pennsylvania. Harper's Ferry changed hands several times during the Civil War, but that's not the subject of this blog. What attracts me is the natural beauty - well, and the trains and bridges.

Looking at the tunnel through Maryland Heights. It is a beautiful sight, and I think that over the years I've taken hundreds of photos of these bridges and that tunnel.

I read that each day somewhere between 40 and 50 freight trains pass through that tunnel. It's always very exciting! well, to me anyway.

 Kevin, Soren, and Anna walking along the C&O Canal on the Maryland side of the Potomac.

Part of the canal, looking south toward Virginia

Harper's Ferry, the little hillside town, known mostly for John Brown's raid and for its strategic importance during the Civil War. The Battle of Harper's Ferry was in September of 1862.

Anna in front of the fire station, site of the 1859 capture of John Brown.

Another beautiful view. Looking through the wood train trestle toward the Catholic church on the hill.

 Kevin and Soren on the Appalachian Trail

We got very close to the heron that was standing in the water under the bridge.

This was taken just after Soren discovered a bloody, detached hand, lying among the flowers. The restaurant had decorated for Hallowe'en. I think it was Gpa who pointed it out to him. Isn't this look  priceless!

Harper's Ferry in the evening. You're looking eastward with the hills of Maryland on the left and Virginia on the right.

One last look at the amazing bridges, after which my dog Bridger was named. When we were here in 2001, I had just spoken for my little GSD puppy, and couldn't wait to get home and pick him up. While here, I decided to name him Bridger. Kevin said I couldn't name a dog Bridger, but it was my puppy and I was going to name him after the bridge or after the train at Harper's Ferry - and what kind of stupid name is Trainer!  :-) and just in case you don't remember Bridger, he's over there>>>>>>on my sidebar.