Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will host a Civil War 150th Anniversary event, Thunder in the Valley: Sheridan's 1864 Valley Campaign, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, on September 27 and 28, 2014. This event highlights Harpers Ferry's role as home base for Union General Philip Sheridan's 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Sheridan’s campaign was one of the most successful of the entire war. His army won four battles in four weeks, which was a major factor in the re-election of Abraham Lincoln to a second term.
The two-day special event will provide visitors with a variety of programs focused on Harpers Ferry's role in Sheridan’s campaign. A special exhibition of Civil War sketch art by James Taylor will be on display. Taylor witnessed Sheridan’s campaign as a correspondent for Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.
The schedule also includes tours by Park Rangers, living history demonstrations, family/youth activities, a concert by the Ft. McHenry Fife & Drum Corps, and a lecture and book signing by the authors of Bloody Autumn: The Shenandoah Campaign of 1864, Daniel T. Davis and Philip S. Greenwalt.
The Park opens at 9 a.m. daily throughout the year. Parking is available at the PARK ENTRANCE via U.S. Route 340. Shuttle buses run every 15 minutes from the National Park Visitor Center to the special event site.
For detailed information about the September commemoration and all Harpers Ferry National Historical Park events, call 304-535-6029 or visit www.nps.gov/hafe.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
