"The War That Ended Slavery"

At the start of the October 16-18, 1859 raid, abolitionist John Brown declared his determination to free enslaved people in the state. Brown and his 18 men captured and held the armory for 36 hours, then were trapped in the fire engine house as the tide turned against them. Brown ordered his men to take aim and make every shot count while the raiders fired through holes in the walls and doors, and he reportedly told his dying son Oliver that he was fighting for liberty in a good cause. U.S. Marines commanded by Robert E. Lee battered through the door, wounded and captured Brown, and ended the raid. Sixteen people died. Brown was later hanged for murder, treason, and inciting a slave insurrection. Just a few years later, United States Colored Troops marched through Harpers Ferry to fight for the Union and freedom.

Lovettsville, Maryland · United States