In Harpers Ferry history many important historical events have occurred including raids, captures and recaptures. Robert Harper purchased the site in 1747 and operated ferries over two rivers. Harpers Ferry was an important military outpost and armory.
Harper's Ferry became a milling, manufacturing and a transportation center. John Brown's raid in 1859 was an important event before the civil war. He went to take over the federal arsenal; he hoped to start a rebellion of slaves. Although many southerners were worried of a slave revolt. Except no one slave joined John Brown in the Harpers Ferry revolt.
At the beginning of the civil war the Virginia government planned on taking over the arsenal and armory at Harpers Ferry. The Union forces at Harpers Ferry withdrew after destroying buildings and supplies that were important to the military. Confederate troops under Joseph E. Johnston occupied Harpers Ferry from April to June 1861. They abandoned it. .
Union troops took control of the town until September 15, 1862 when General Stonewall Jackson took over during General Robert E. Lee's invasion of Maryland. Later Lee was defeated at Antietam; again a Union Garrison took control. While Lee's Gettysburg campaign was occurring in July 1863 Harpers Ferry was captured and recaptured. It was controlled by the Union during most of the rest of the war. .
In conclusion Harpers Ferry was an infamous site of a slave rebellion with no slaves. It was controlled by both sides during the Civil War and was important due to the food and military supplies that were held inside. Later it was turned into a Historical park in 1944. Harpers Ferry is still run with seasonal guesthouses and a good historical site to visit.