|
-SPONSORED LINKS-
Harpers Ferry LodgingHarpers Ferry Hotels Harpers Ferry Maps West Virginia Camping West Virginia Weather Harpers Ferry Vacation Rentals |
|
Sponsored National Park Search |
|
|
|
The park is home to approximately 14 amphibian, 18 reptile, 36 mammal, 30 spider, 43 fish, 174 bird, and 276 insect species. Among these are the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), the northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), and the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).
Plants are a very important component of the park since approximately 70% of its land is forested. Distinct upland, lowland, and floodplain vegetation communities are present throughout the park. Numerous fern species including woolly lip fern (Cheilanthes lanosa) and marginal shield fern (Dryopteris marginalis) occur in the park. Grasses, sedges, and rushes also play a valuable role in the plant communities. Tall brome grass (Bromus pubescens) and greenish sedge (Carex virescens) are just a few of the local species. Trees such as chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) and tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) often dominate the forest canopy; whereas, red maple (Acer rubrum) and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) are frequently scattered through the understory. Common shrub species in the park include spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), while popular wildflowers include Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
Approximately 360 million years ago, when the continent of Africa collided with North America, land comprising the park began to take its current shape. At this time the Appalachian Mountains rose and the Potomac River began cutting through them, forming the water gap we see today between Maryland and LoudounHeights. From numerous places throughout the park, visitors are able to enjoy this and many other scenic vistas Harpers Ferry has to offer. From the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains that steeply rise above the historic district to the rushing waters of the Potomac and ShenandoahRivers bordering the town, one is in awe of the surrounding beauty. Seventy percent of the park is covered with eastern deciduous forest with the predominant soil type here being a shaly silt loam. Quartzite, phyllite, and limestone are the predominant rock types, each playing a role in the formation of such popular sights as the Stone Steps and the water gap. Floodplain communities line the banks of the Potomac and ShenandoahRivers. Visitors have the opportunity to experience these plus many more beautiful and exciting natural features.
Some of the important historical figures to learn about at the park are Robert Harper, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Meriwether Lewis, John H. Hall, James H. Burton, John Brown, Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Don Redman.
Through theatrical reenactments and museum exhibits, experience Harpers Ferry stories about John Brown's Raid, The Civil War, African American history, industry, transportation, and natural heritage.
