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
Tag: Dayhiking
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
Luray Caverns
If you drive I-81, you have definitely passed the (many) signs for Luray Caverns as you enter Virginia. And who doesn't love a good tourist trap, am I right? Kirk and I took the boys down to Luray to visit it this past weekend. It's definitely a good tourist trap, with museums and the requisite… Continue reading Luray Caverns
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
First Day Hike: The Great Neighborhood
When we were planning our move to West Virginia at the start of 2025, Kirk often said he hoped I wouldn't hate the summers there. I had been to the state twice in the cold of winter, but didn't quite understand how cold it would/could be. It's a frigid winter this year. Not deep and… Continue reading First Day Hike: The Great Neighborhood