By Kristen Murphy

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is known for its battles during the Civil War and it’s believed that there are ghosts of many sorts that still loom over the area. Many ghostlike images have been seen there, one of them being a well-dressed man in a brocade vest who glares in a hostile way. Another source said they noticed a woman and child who are believed to be the man’s wife and child. Because Harpers Ferry once was a battle ground, another report has been made about a phantom army which marches down the street. The hauntings in the town are said to go back hundreds of years.

There are many buildings around the town that have a story or two that have made Harpers Ferry one of the most haunted towns in our state. The most popular is of a female spirit who is dressed in 18^th century attire and is often seen looking down at people from the window of Harper House. Harper House was built from 1775-1782 by the town founder, Robert Harper, who passed away the year it was completed and never had the opportunity to live in it. Through the years it has been a tavern, residence, rental property, and an abandoned ruin. It has been restored and you are now able to sit on the porch or look into the home which has been furnished as it would have been.

Harpers Ferry is a tourist attraction because of its contribution to the Industrial Revolution, once had been targeted by anti-slavery militant, endured military occupation during the Civil War, advanced the civil rights movement, and survived a dozen of devastating floods. Harpers Ferry is also a place for anyone who likes the outdoors because there are places to hike, bike, and float on the nearby trails and rivers. Harpers Ferry has so much to offer to everyone, you don’t have to be into hauntings to visit this area, but that is an added bonus.