Commemorating John Brown's Pivotal Raid: A Legacy of Resistance in Harpers Ferry
John Brown’s Abolitionist Raid On Harpers Ferry, 165 Years Later
West Virginia Public Broadcasting | Wednesday, October 16, 2024
By Jack Walker
In an article published by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, the 165th anniversary of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry is commemorated as a pivotal moment in American history. In 1859, Brown and his team aimed to incite a rebellion against slavery by seizing a federal armory to arm enslaved individuals. Although the raid was suppressed by U.S. Marines two days later, it fueled national discourse on slavery and is regarded as one of the first significant acts of armed resistance against chattel slavery. The legacy of Brown’s efforts is celebrated today in Harpers Ferry through various historical events and educational programs hosted by the National Park Service, underscoring the site’s enduring significance in the fight for civil rights and freedom.
