I am no longer giving Harpers Ferry tours. As an Antietam Certified Battlefield Guide I can give Maryland Campaign tours of Bolivar Heights and Camp Hill. However, I learned last month that if I go into Old Town (or give the battlefield components of Harpers Ferry outside of an Antietam tour), I must have a Commercial Use Permit. I wrote to the ranger in charge of these permits at Harpers Ferry and he confirmed it, so I asked him about how I would go about securing such a permit, but have not heard back from him– I suspect because of the cuts to the NPS budget. I have stopped giving Harpers Ferry tours for compensation, as I respect the NPS’ regulations.
I was only going to provide 1-2 Harpers Ferry tours a month, so it is probably not worth going through the process and expense anyway. I am also not interested in becoming a Harpers Ferry Licensed Guide for that reason.
Bottom line, if you want a full Harpers Ferry tour, contact their bookstore. If you want to join me on a non-paid stroll down the streets of Harpers Ferry, well, I can still do that.
My name is Rod Jarvis. My son-in-law’s great, great grandfather (Capt. James Martin) was a Company Commander in the 2d Maryland infantry (Union). He was wounded in the first attack on Burnside’s bridge. He lost his leg and died a month later at the military hospital in Frederick, Md. He was initially buried in the Catholic grave yard in Frederick but was apparently moved. We are trying to find out more about him.
We would greatly appreciate any suggests regarding research information pertaining to the 2d Maryland and/or Capt James Martin. Thank you.
Respectfully Submitted, R. J. Jarvis
I would check with Ancestry.com as they have extensive service records.