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.
Oh, I'm sure that's happening! As for John Brown, you have me beat! I'm going to abstain until I get some reading in. All I remember is reading somewhere that he was a homicidal nut, and somewhere else that he'd been mischaracterized. Hmmm... Seems like a great subject for a History and Memory piece at NBH! 😀
Thank you, Annette. Now I know who John Brown’s body was! I remember the song from junior school (a long time ago) and had no idea who he was. I guess you’re now going to give us more information about John?
It’s interesting how persons are depicted by their opponents. Even today with photography, newspaper editors often choose photos that have captured a weird look, something that in real time the human eye and brain would have ignored. The UK’s new Prime Minister has a few unflattering photos published regularly.
Keep up there good work, this is another enjoyable read.
Congrats on becoming a featured publication on Substack, Annette, an honor you richly deserve. Such an interesting take on this museum, which sounds like it definitely could use some TLC. I imagine we’ll learn more about Harper’s Ferry and John Brown in a future post. Always appreciate your irreverent take on history.
Thanks, Ruth! I don't usually commit to writing more on a subject, with the goal of keeping the variety going at NBH and tempting folks to seek out books, but, in this case, I think I will. After all, I didn't write about Brown , since I realized that I needed to read more first, and that the NHP museum on a frustrating day wasn't going to cut it as a source. The museum wasn't dreadful, but our visitor experience was! 😂 Thanks again for the very kind words. ❤️
Awesome, funny, AND informative piece, Annette. Now I know why the only picture I’ve ever seen of John Brown in school was the crazed one. And I grew up in Pennsylvania! I wonder how much worse the “recent unpleasantness” was taught here in Georgia where I live now.
Thanks, Vicki! There are teachers who try hard, but GA curriculum (while better than it once was) is such a tedious mess, I don't know how anyone works with it...
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.
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.
Oh, I'm sure that's happening! As for John Brown, you have me beat! I'm going to abstain until I get some reading in. All I remember is reading somewhere that he was a homicidal nut, and somewhere else that he'd been mischaracterized. Hmmm... Seems like a great subject for a History and Memory piece at NBH! 😀
Thank you, Annette. Now I know who John Brown’s body was! I remember the song from junior school (a long time ago) and had no idea who he was. I guess you’re now going to give us more information about John?
It’s interesting how persons are depicted by their opponents. Even today with photography, newspaper editors often choose photos that have captured a weird look, something that in real time the human eye and brain would have ignored. The UK’s new Prime Minister has a few unflattering photos published regularly.
Keep up there good work, this is another enjoyable read.
Thanks so much, Roland! I will get back to John Brown soon, because I would like to know myself!
Congrats on becoming a featured publication on Substack, Annette, an honor you richly deserve. Such an interesting take on this museum, which sounds like it definitely could use some TLC. I imagine we’ll learn more about Harper’s Ferry and John Brown in a future post. Always appreciate your irreverent take on history.
Thanks, Ruth! I don't usually commit to writing more on a subject, with the goal of keeping the variety going at NBH and tempting folks to seek out books, but, in this case, I think I will. After all, I didn't write about Brown , since I realized that I needed to read more first, and that the NHP museum on a frustrating day wasn't going to cut it as a source. The museum wasn't dreadful, but our visitor experience was! 😂 Thanks again for the very kind words. ❤️
Awesome, funny, AND informative piece, Annette. Now I know why the only picture I’ve ever seen of John Brown in school was the crazed one. And I grew up in Pennsylvania! I wonder how much worse the “recent unpleasantness” was taught here in Georgia where I live now.
Thanks, Vicki! There are teachers who try hard, but GA curriculum (while better than it once was) is such a tedious mess, I don't know how anyone works with it...
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
Oh, how cool! Wish I had seen the herons! :)