Hiking · National Park

Ferry Hill Plantation

Across the Potomac River from Shepherdstown, West Virginia, sits Ferry Hill Plantation, which has been part of the National Park system since 1974. Looking back from the top, you can see the Rumsey Bridge, which crosses the Potomac River and parts of Shepherd University poking up. There are two entrances to the property off 34/Shepherdstown… Continue reading Ferry Hill Plantation

Hiking

Civil War Walking: The John Brown Legacy

This walking tour came out of our youngest son's history class last week. They were studying the history of John Brown in West Virginia. So I decided we would go for a walk and visit historical sites in person to learn more deeply. Alistaire loves these walks and happily came along. While John Brown's acts… Continue reading Civil War Walking: The John Brown Legacy

Hiking · Travel

Walking Elmwood Cemetry’s History

Just a short distance from Morgan's Grove Park is Elmwood Cemetery, just outside the historic town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The cemetery is a worthy visit on the Civil War Trail, as it holds a Confederate Cemetery and a memorial to the men who died in Shepherdstown after the Battle of Antietam, who crossed the… Continue reading Walking Elmwood Cemetry’s History

Hiking · National Park · Travel

Exploring Bloody Lane Trail/Sunken Road

With an overcast morning, we drove to Maryland so my brother could see part of the Antietam Battlefield, located outside of Sharpsburg, MD. We are just a bit over 9 miles away, yet in a different state. It's an easy drive over Rumsey Bridge from Shepherdstown, WV. Just remember kids, don't speed in Maryland -… Continue reading Exploring Bloody Lane Trail/Sunken Road

Travel

Walking History: Shepherdstown Battle

In my walking history, a lesser-known battle is the Battle of Shepherdstown, which happened two days after Antietam, in Maryland. As the Confederate Army crossed back into West Virginia at Boteler's Ford over the Potomac River, the Union Army followed. The Union could have severely hurt the Confederates, but it faltered due to bad leadership.… Continue reading Walking History: Shepherdstown Battle