In 2021, the Harpers Ferry Park Association (HFPA) will commemorate 50 years of providing aid and support to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. While its plans have been altered by the ongoing pandemic, the HFPA will be organizing special programs and events throughout the year to honor its members and leadership, celebrate its accomplishments, recruit new members, generate funds, and set a vision for the future of the organization.
Taking advantage of the natural beauty of the park, the association will offer monthly hikes, inviting the public to join experienced guides to walk, explore and learn about the history of the park. The event details below are still being finalized — Current information and reservations links will be available by mid-January on the HFPA website (HarpersFerryHistory.org) and Facebook page.
The Murphy Farm (Saturday, Jan. 30, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm)
A 1.5 to 3 mile hike, depending on weather and trail conditions, rated moderately easy, with half the hike on dirt farm path and up to 1.5 miles on trails in wooded ravines. Meet on the plaza in front of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center, 171 Shoreline Drive.
The Murphy Farm has been farmed since before the Civil War. The relatively flat farm loop contains the former site of John Brown’s Fort, a pilgrimage point for early Civil Rights activists; a dazzling view of the Shenandoah Valley; and markers and cannons commemorating General A.P. Hill’s staging during the Sept. 15, 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry. A trail detour, which is more rolling and rocky, will take us to earthworks that are part of Philip Sheridan’s extensive fortifications around Bolivar Heights.
The hike leader will be Jim Silvia, a Certified Tour Guide in Harpers Ferry who has led the Civil War to Civil Rights tours on the Murphy Farm for several years. He owns an 1840-era home in Bolivar built to house an armory worker.
Armory Worker Houses on Camp Hill (Saturday, Feb. 27, 10:00 – 12:30 pm)
This hike will provide history of 19th century homes built to house Federal Armory workers. Details are still being planned. Visit the HFPA website to check for updates and information about this hike.
Mary Mish Tour of Fort Duncan (Saturday, Mar. 20, 10:00 am -2:00 pm)
The hike is dedicated to Mary Vernon Mish, a resident of Washington County, Maryland, who helped preserve and incorporate Maryland Heights as part of Harpers Ferry NHP. The leader for this program, Catherine Magi, is an avid hiker, author and “recovering” attorney now pursuing her graduate degree in history. Co-leader Irene Glasse is an essayist, minister and yoga instructor from Western Maryland. After the hike, those interested may join the leaders for lunch at a local winery.
The trip length is still being mapped out, but the path will be rated moderate, on unpaved roads, rolling farm fields, and brushy areas. This hike provides an unusual opportunity to explore a rarely seen area of Civil War history. Fort Duncan is a well-preserved earthen fort built in 1863 by the Union Army as part of a defensive perimeter of Harpers Ferry. Because there is no established trail to the fort, participants must be prepared for brush and debris, and wear appropriate footwear.
By Staff Contributor