On Bolivar Heights at Harper’s Ferry NHP
CWRT of Eastern PA set out on a glorious Saturday in June to tour the Harper’s Ferry battlefields where the states of West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia converge. Claire Kukiekla did a fantastic job of coordinating the trip, our tour guide - the esteemed Dennis Frye, and even a buffet lunch at the local inn.
Frye’s most recent volume about Harper’s Ferry, entitled “Confluence” was available in the visitor center and also online
We gathered at the Washington County, WV Visitor’s Center and made our way to Bolivar Heights for our first stop. Dennis Frye, retired chief ranger at Harper’s Ferry for many years, dramatically retold the story of the battle as we caravanned from one battle location to another throughout the day.
After a brief pause for refreshment at the Clarion Inn, we drove a short distance and went back in time from 1862 to 1859 and stopped at the Allstadt House and Ordinary. Frye explained that this was one of the home attacked by John Brown’s raiders to seize hostages and free enslaved people in an effort of begin an overthrow of slavery in the US.
We then resumed the tour beginning to understand the complexity of Lee’s Special Orders 191, and the incredible feat of actually carrying them out, in spite of the discovery of a copy of the orders by Federal Troops.
Frye explained how the Union Commander defending Harpers Ferry, performed well, in spite of later criticism of his actions. His ability to hold onto the battlefield, eventually delayed Lee’s incursion into Pennsylvania, where Lee hoped to influence the 1862 mid-term elections.
As we drove to each location, we could visually imagine the challenges of both defending against the Confederate advance, and the obstacles encountered by the Confederates themselves.
Our final stop was the church which served as HQ for Confederate Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws charged with taking Maryland Heights.
It was a day of learning, insights and understanding. Thank you Dennis Frye, and Claire for each making it a memorable day.
Some photos of the day are below in a slide show.
