Lantern Tour: Strange Story of Harpers Ferry

Irish immigrant Joseph Barry could be called the Forrest Gump of 19th-century Harpers Ferry. In his book The Strange Story of Harpers Ferry, first published in 1903, he gives first-person accounts of John Brown’s Raid, the Civil War, and historic floods. This lantern tour will relay some of his most colorful, tragic, and strange tales.

Led by Cathy Baldau, executive director of the Harpers Ferry Park Association, this hike is rated EASY, and offers an engaging journey through history. The route includes uneven sidewalks, grassy areas, and paths. Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge to the tour; in her previous position as publications specialist, she edited and managed production of eight books on the history of Harpers Ferry.

Participants should park and meet at the Train Station. Please allow extra time to find parking, as the Train Station lot may fill up quickly—October evenings are especially busy in Harpers Ferry. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or lantern to light your way!

Registration Required | $10 Program Fee

You may also like the following events from Harpers Ferry Park Association:

• This Saturday, 9th August, 10:00 am, History on the Rocks: A Geology Tour of Harpers Ferry in Harpers Ferry
• This month, 21st August, 06:00 pm, Forging Change: The Industrial Revolution and the Harpers Ferry Armory | History on Tap in Harpers Ferry
• Next month, 18th September, 06:00 pm, The Great Virginia Flood of 1870 | History on Tap in Harpers Ferry