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Lynn Childress's avatar

Coincidentally, I just edited an entry called "John Brown's Holy War against Slavery." Prior to Harpers Ferry, he had been helping slaves escape from their owners in Bleeding Kansas and killed a few pro-slavery owners. He was a notorious abolitionist and one of America's most wanted, so he grew the beard as a disguise. The takeover was not too challenging for the 18 guys in the raid. The Armory had one guard and the Arsenal across the street was unguarded. Amazingly, Brown had 20 children by two wives, 8 of whom survived him. Three of his sons died with him at Harper's Ferry (or the hanging thereafter). Of course, I had to find out if he had any living descendants--and yes, he does. They should be lobbying for some improvement of the park.

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Shire Jansen's avatar

My first view of this spectacular area occurred just last month, while binge watching the show below, Episode 5 is in the DC area and includes a great heron rookery near Harper's Ferry, the host is Christian Cooper, I found this episode very moving.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/extraordinary-birder-with-christian-cooper1

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