West Virginia Civil War

John Brown and Harpers Ferry

The shots fired in Harpers Ferry during a raid by John Brown in October 1859 are regarded by many as the first of the Civil War.

After months of training and planning at the Kennedy Farm a few miles away in Maryland, Brown led his tiny "army" into Harpers Ferry late in the evening of Oct. 16. His objective: Capture the armory there, then inspire and arm a slave rebellion.

The plot never had a chance. After causing quite a commotion, Brown and a few survivors were trapped and captured Oct. 18. He was taken to nearby Charles Town where he stood trial and was hanged. His last message proved prophetic:

"I John Brown am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with Blood."

A few of the characters who would play leading roles in the war to come had some sort of connection with this event. Regular army officers Robert E. Lee and J.E.B Stuart led the forces that captured Brown. Among the 1,500 who attended his hanging were Thomas J. Jackson (later Stonewall) and John Wilkes Booth.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Visitor center entrance off Route 340
304-535-6298
Much of Civil War interest in this beautiful park at the confluence of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers. John Brown's 1859 raid and Civil War activities are interpreted throughout the restored lower town area, which also features information about all periods of the town's history and residents. More Civil War information is available at the main visitor center on Bolivar Heights (a shuttle bus delivers visitors to lower town). Trails on Maryland and Loudoun Heights also offer wartime interpretation and views. An interactive interpretation center with a film is offered in the town historic district. Much to see. Park open daily 8 am–5 pm. $5 for adult three-day pass.

Charles Town
Southwest of Harpers Ferry about 8 miles -
304-757-8628 (museum), 304-535-2627 or 800-848-TOUR (county info)
John Brown was tried and hanged here following his capture at Harpers Ferry in 1859. At the Jefferson County Courthouse on Washington Street, exhibits on the first floor satisfy public interest in the events with a nice display of period illustrations and text. Walking tour information is available.
    The Jefferson County Museum, located a block away in the library building, presents much on Brown, the trial and hanging in Charles Town. Open 10 am–4 pm Monday–Saturday. Closed during the winter months. $3/adult.
    Site where Brown was executed is noted with an historical marker in the yard of 515 Samuel St a few blocks from the courthouse.

Websites of these places: West Virginia Links