Recap of John Brown's Attack
Where do Motorcyclists Fit In
Motorcycle Around the Sesquicentennial
About the Ride
A 77-mile route to fleetly flow around the Fort - John Brown’s Fort that is.
There are always ample motorcycle touring opportunities in the Shenandoah Valley, but 2009 holds some aces up its sleeve. You can dive into a major tourism campaign that can be fun to participate in if you happen to be a motorcyclist.
In case you’ve not heard about it, four states and four counties in the region around the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia have begun preparations to commemorate the 2009 sesquicentennial anniversary of abolitionist John Brown’s raid on the arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Yes, that’s right — the guy they say helped to launch the Civil War is getting the honor of kicking off our country’s observance of all things Civil War related in the upcoming few years.
Sesquicentennial merely means a 150th anniversary or its celebration, so don’t be bedazzled by the word. But, do be amazed at what will take place in the area as they kick off The John Brown 150th Anniversary. Look for logos of John Brown and little known facts about his life in the area to be discussed and reviewed by scholars and historians as well as students of the Civil War. It was indeed an event in American History that shaped our culture and our identity to this very day.
With the area getting spruced up and ready for the 150th Anniversary, motorcyclists have all the more reason to take advantage of the unique touring and travel opportunities that will abound in the region in and around Harpers Ferry. WV. Already the Quad-State Committee comprised of various historians and officials from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, have been busy planning and coordinating a range of commemoration events — many that will entice travel and touring motorcyclists to plan a scenic ride to the area; not only to take in an activity, but to also enjoy the stunning scenery and roads that make this region appealing.
Officials responsible for organizing the commemorations say that events will include reenactments, dramatic productions, art exhibits, academic lectures, special tours and much more.