Harpers Ferry is a little town with a lot of history. It was a strategic place in the Civil War, and it was hit hard by the battles. There are a few abandoned places around town, but there is something uniquely beautiful about these old church ruins.
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St. John's Episcopal Church was one of the buildings that was damaged by the Civil War.
The ruins are located near Church Street and Harper Cemetery.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of Harpers Ferry, you'll enjoy these ghost stories from around the town, or check out what you can do on a day trip.
At one time, trains played a major role in our daily lives; and to this day we can enjoy the best train rides in West Virginia. Today we have the opportunity to board a train and ride across some of the Mountain State's most beautiful scenery. Some of the historic steam engine trains are now used as scenic passenger trains. With the decline of the railroads, most lines no longer exist. But those that did survive are magical, offering not only an excellent source of transportation but a unique look at our state's natural beauty. Let's explore these West Virginia train rides that are sure to make your season spectacular.
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1. The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Cass Scenic Railroad
A trip on the Cass Scenic Railroad is packed full of rich history, unforgettable scenic views, and a close-up encounter with the sights and sounds of an old-time original steam engine. Find out more on the Cass Train web page.
2. The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Tygart Flyer
A ride on the new Tygart Flyer explores remote regions of the wild and wonderful mountains making it one of the best West Virginia train rides.
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The 4-hour, 46-mile round-trip delight departs from the Elkins, West Virginia depot and travels along the crystal Shavers Fork of the Cheat River to a layover at the pastoral High Falls of Cheat.
Part of the joy on this excursion through the South Branch Valley of West Virginia is the sight of the iconic American bald eagles. Reserve a spot today on the Bald Eagles web page.
4. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, North Pole Express
Welcome in the magic of the holiday season with the annual Potomac Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express that goes to the North Pole and picks up Santa to save Christmas.
This 75-minute interactive ride offers milk and Mrs. Claus’ famous cookies, Christmas caroling, storytelling, and each child receives a gift from Santa.
No matter the time a year, as soon as it is announced, we recommend saving a seat on the North Pole Express web page. It's one of the best train rides in West Virginia.
What's the most famous statue in West Virginia? If we had to pick one, we'd probably have to go with the Mothman Statue in Point Pleasant. What other iconic Mountain State statue appears so frequently in the selfies of visitors to West Virginia from far and wide? None, that we can think of! And if you've ever been curious about this statue's backstory, here's your chance to learn it.
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But before we tell you about the statue, let's get you up to speed on Mothman himself. This creepy West Virginia apparition was spotted in November of 1966.
Seven feet tall, a ten-foot wingspan, glowing red eyes - this humanoid was a nightmare personified for the five grave diggers who first spotted him in Clendenin, West Virginia.
A few days later, Mothman made another appearance, this time in the old TNT area of Mount Pleasant, West Virginia, to two young couples out for a night drive.
Over the next year, more than 100 sightings of Mothman were reported in the Point Pleasant area, including several of him standing on the Silver Bridge as it collapsed. Interestingly, that same year, several more unusual encounters with other spirits or extraterrestrials were also reported in the state.
Legends of Mothman continue to fascinate to this day, almost sixty years later. So much so, that Point Pleasant has an entire museum devoted to Mothman.
The Mothman Statue location in Gunn Park is now a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
The statue wasn't Roach's idea, though - it was the brainchild of his friend, local businessman Charles Humphreys. Humphreys knew that Roach's talent with stainless steel would be well-suited for such a challenging project as capturing the elusive Mothman legend in physical form.
A festival is held each fall here around the base of the statue. A moth-cam has been set up so that fans can check in on Mothman even when they're not in Point Pleasant.
Mothman isn't the only local example of Roach's art, either.
The artist also created the statues in Point Pleasant's nearby Riverfront Park: Chief Cornstalk, Colonel Lewis, Daniel Boone, Mad Anne Bailey, and Lord Dunmore. He crafted the sculpture of Jesus Christ that's on display at the Heights United Methodist Church on North Main Street. Other examples of his art can be found in New Haven, West Virginia.
Have you or someone you know seen the Mothman statue in Point Pleasant, West Virginia? What's your theory about this creature? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Spend a weekend in Point Pleasant in this charming cabin with wide-open country views.
Believe it or not, Mothman isn't the only paranormal figure in West Virginia lore either.
