The abolitionist John Brown led a small band in seizing the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, hoping to spark an uprising against slavery. The raid failed and Brown was hanged, but it electrified the country and pushed a divided nation one long step closer to civil war.
In 1859: John Brown raids Harpers Ferry. The abolitionist John Brown led a small band in seizing the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, hoping to spark an uprising against slavery.
Why is October 16 significant?
The abolitionist John Brown led a small band in seizing the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, hoping to spark an uprising against slavery. The raid failed and Brown was hanged, but it electrified the country and pushed a divided nation one long step closer to civil war.
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