Civil War Tours

Day 1
After arriving in West Virginia's Eastern Gateway, start the afternoon by visiting Bolivar Heights historic battlefield where Stonewall Jackson and his men captured 12,500 Union troops on Sept 15, 1862, two days prior to the more famous Battle of Antietam Creek in nearby Sharpsburg, MD. This was the largest surrender of troops during the entire war. Enjoy short walking tours and fabulous views of the "gap" at Harpers Ferry. The site was also a Union Camp and visited by President Lincoln in Oct. 1862.

After indulging yourself in the many history offerings of the area, you may want to unwind and relax at one of our quaint restaurants or taverns, or does the sound of thundering hooves, ringing bells, and large Jackpots keep you awake. If gaming is part of your adventure, the place to be is the new Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Now offering 85 new table games with a spectacular 27 table poker room, the new facilities coupled with the traditional horse racing and 5000+ slot machines, makes for an exciting night on the town.

Day 2
Day Two finds you at the beautiful Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. In the 1790's, George Washington assigned Harpers Ferry (then Virginia) to be one of the country's Federal Arsenals due to the convergence of the two rivers and their ability to run machinery with waterpower. This is also the site of John Brown's Raid on October 16, 1859 to arm and free the slaves. Insurrection was stopped by the US Marines led by Robert E. Lee. Visit several key museums including the John Brown Museum, gun factory demonstration, and the popular Harpers Ferry National Park Bookstore. Hardy visitors may be inclined to take a walk across the train bridge into Maryland to see Harpers Ferry from the other side, or climb the steps past St. Peters Catholic Church to Jefferson Rock. This rock is named for Thomas Jefferson, who upon standing on the rock, proclaimed the view "worth the trip across the Atlantic."

After lunch and enroot to Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, MD, drive past the Kennedy Farm in nearby Washington County, site of the planning of the John Brown Raid. The place where Robert E. Lee was finally laid to rest is also located in the town of Sharpsburg for you to visit. Once at the Antietam National Battlefield's Visitor Center, enjoy the highly rated 1/2 hour film and visit the bookstore. Driving, walking, hiking, and biking tours, both guided and self-guided, await you to tell the history of the Corn Field, the Sunken Road, Burnside Bridge, and the Dunkard Church.

Day 3
Morning of Day Three will embark on a journey through Charles Town. Take the Walking Tour of Charles Town which includes a stop at the Jefferson County Museum. View Civil War displays including cannon balls and bullets, the Chew Battle Flag, Civil War uniforms, and more. See the Civil War shell removed from a wall in a Charles Town home...it was still Live! Take a quick stroll over to see the site of the John Brown execution and no visit to Charles Town would be complete without a stop at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The Courthouse, still in use today, is the site of the John Brown Trial as well as two of the three treason trials held in the US.

Group tours visiting the area can also benefit from lectures, speakers, and special guests about the John Brown Raid and many other local history elements. Contact the Jefferson County CVB at (304) 535-2627 to make an arrangement.

NOTE: Other Civil War related sites in the immediate vicinity also include:
- Gettysburg National Military Park (app. 45 min.)
- Monocacy National Battlefield Park (app. 45 min.)