One this day in 1859 an event that helped spark the American Civil War, abolitionist John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia[now West Virginia] John Brown’s plan was to raid Harpers Ferry which was an arsenal for the US goverment. Take the arms and arm the slaves and free the slaves. His plan wasn’t that well thought out but I do not think he ever thought he’d escape in the first place. He was eventually caught in the firehouse alive. He was put on trial, found guilty and hanged all within a period of less than 2 months.

There are a number of books about John Brown. Last year’s book by Tony Horwitz “Midnight Rising” was excellent. Some books over the years are pro-Brown, some anti-Brown. Stephen Oates book on Brown is excellent. There seems to be no middle ground when it comes to John Brown. I have a friend who pretty much thinks John Brown was the most evil person in American history. I tend to view Brown favorably. He helped to start a war that ended slavery and freed thousands of slaves. He was a failure at everything in his life but his last act. Sometimes violence is needed. I think John Brown is one of the great heroes of history. Either way, a fascinating man.

I think Stephen Oates describes him best “maligned as a demented dreamer, but in fact one of the most perceptive human beings of his generation”