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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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