History of Harpers Ferry Hostel

United States Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas was the featured speaker at the hostel's dedication in 1962. Before then the building was used as an auction house, and before that the history is a bit murky. You may be aware that Justice Douglas was a prime mover behind the creation of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, which extends 184 miles from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland along the Potomac River.

Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels was founded in 1934 as a member of the International Youth Hostel Federation ("Hostelling International" is the official seal of approval of the IYHF). IYHF currently has almost 5,000 member hostels in 70 countries.

The mission of this hostel is to promote educational values by encouraging in our guests a greater knowledge, love, and care of the countryside, as well as a better understanding of each other. This hostel has been designated a "Sustainable Living Center" by being a model of good environmental practices, which include recycling, composting, and fluorescent lighting.