Harpers Ferry National Park

Recently we had to head up to Brooklyn to attend a birthday party and a funeral. On the way up we decided we would stop at Harpers Ferry National Park in West Virginia.

 I knew the story of Harpers Ferry and Jim Brown,

but didn't know much about the national park. I figured we could check it out as part of research for my book, and then spend the night in Charles Town, doo dah, doo dah, and check out the racing track and casino. I wish we had gotten to Harpers Ferry earlier because it blew me away.

What a gorgeous national park. It has a bit of everything...it's really a step into the past amongst a scenic natural setting. We had lunch as this quaint restaurant which was not part of the park, but it was in the park on High Street. I think it was the Coach House. Very pretty, and the food was excellent too.

Unfortunately the pictures I took inside the museums did not come out too well so the rest of these are just outdoor shots. If you look on the face of this cliff you will see a faded sign on the mountain.

This is the walking bridge underneath it.

I had seen a bird which I think is a heron in the river and wanted to get a closer shot. Once I looked down, I began to get a little dizzy and felt like I needed to get the heck off of it, but not before I got a pic....

When my husband told me not to look down, but up instead, I thought I saw something through the fence on the cliff...

When I zoomed in I saw two climbers...

And this guy is barefoot!

I climbed a bunch of stairs to the church and was disappointed to find out it was closed.

They were having a ghost tour later that evening and I wished we had gone to that instead of the lousy casino! I could have spent another day in Harpers Ferry, I would have liked to see the actual city,  but responsibilities prevented that. The park closes at 5:00pm so make sure to get there bright and early. Wear walking shoes, bring a camera, and take bottled water with you too. It's the best $10 you'll spend!

Historic Tredegar in Richmond

After I decided I'd seen enough plantations we headed back to the city and spent a Sunday night in Richmond. We had a delicious brunch at a restaurant I can't remember the name of, but it was on a corner and right across the street from the Farmer's Market in the Shockoe district. The food was excellent, but my mimosa was disappointing...not the right mix, too much juice.

From there we headed to Historic Tredegar Iron Works which houses the American Civil War Center. It also is the welcome center for Richmond National Battlefield Park.

Although I wasn't allowed to take photos inside, I did scribble copious amounts of notes and if I could decipher my handwriting I'm sure they will prove most helpful. Here are some photos of the grounds. Wished I would have had more time to explore them further, and still kicking myself for not visiting the battlefield.

For more information on Tredegar's history click here.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the museum. It is laid out really well, and through videos, photos, interactive displays, letters, artifacts, etc., the Civil War story is presented from both "sides," before the beginning, and further than the end. I highly recommend it. Tredegar is located across the street from the James River. The shores of this branch certainly look different from the ones further south.

Booker T. Washington National Monument

Yesterday a couple of us visited the Booker T. Washington National Monument for its History Comes Alive Weekend. "Learn about life as it was for Booker T. Washington and other residents on a Civil War era tobacco plantation from the park staff and volunteers in mid-19th century period dress."

Unfortunately, only one volunteer showed up. This lovely woman who sat in the blazing sun in her mourning dress.

Although I was a wee bit disappointed I wouldn't see any actual churning of the butter, I have to say I was quite impressed with the grounds and set-up,

 

as I was with Booker's life story.

Born April 5, 1856 on the Burroughs tobacco farm. In 1861 his "value" was $400.

Died in 1915 and buried at Tuskegee, the secondary school for blacks he founded. His philosophy was  hard work builds character. He and his students constructed Tuskegee themselves, brick by brick, even manufacturing their own bricks.

 

Below are some pictures I took throughout the park. The park ranger said there would be more volunteers today and the Living History weekend runs through tomorrow. If you go make sure you watch the film first, and when you leave, please consider buying at least a little something as there is no admission and the park is in desperate need of funds. Enjoy!

 

The cabin where Booker, his mother who was a cook, and his sister lived.

Inside his cabin





The tobacco drying house

The blacksmith's shop

There were quite a few farm animals. I'll assume you don't need descriptions...

The Summer Living History Weekends runs today and tomorrow from 10-4. The address is 12130 Booker T. Washington Highway, Hardy, VA 24101.
For more information call Park Rangers at: 540-721.2094.