Radio Curious takes a tour of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, a historic national park and site of the civil war struggles between union and confederate troops, and the pre civil war armed abolitionist revolt led by John Brown.
Barry Vogel, Attorney and Counselor, is the Host and Producer of Radio Curious. Christina Aanestad is the Assistant Producer.
Harperâs Ferry National Park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in the easternmost corner of what is now West Virginia. This tiny national park, just over a square mile in size, is the location of the 1859 raid led by John Brown, a white abolitionist. Outraged by the sustained existence of slavery in southern United States, Brown and his armed supporters snuck across the river at night attempting to take over of the government arsenal, arm the nearby enslaved people and foment a revolt. Â Brownâs intended efforts were ultimately unsuccessful and resulted in his conviction for treason and death by hanging. Â Nonetheless, he foreshadowed the growing discontent of slavery that would lead to the civil war.
I joined Ranger George Best on October 12, 2017, for a tour and stories, which began at the 1848 now defunct armory amid background sounds of the rivers, railroads and other machinery He begins with a description of the Foundry, Harperâs Ferry largest building.
The books George Best recommends are:Â âA Walker's Guide to Harperâs Ferry, West Virginia,â by Dave Gilbert, âThe Strange Story of Harperâs Ferryâ by Joseph Berry, and âHarpers Ferry Under Fireâ by Dennis Fryer.
Radio Curious is a half-hour, weekly, long-form interview program, now in its 27th year. We interview people on a curiously wide variety of topics about life and ideas. Our website is www.radiocurious.org. If your station airs Radio Curious please let us know curious@radiocurious.org, we will add you to our list of syndicate stations. We also welcome questions, feedback and program ideas. Radio Curious 280 N. Oak St. Ukiah, Ca 95482. (707) 462-6541.