|
 The
arrest, trial, and execution of John Brown in the fall of 1859 came
at a critical moment in United State history. The Man Who Killed
Slavery, Sparked the Civil War, and Seeded Civil Rights.
Brown's actions and statements following his failed attempt to
begin a slave insurrection near Harper's Ferry, Virginia so
polarized northern and southern opinion on the slavery issue as to
ensure Abraham Lincoln's election and cause the Civil War to occur
perhaps two decades earlier than it might have otherwise.
Brown's efforts to secure racial justice were numerous and
diverse. He promoted a school for blacks. He insisted that his two
hired black employees be allowed to sit in his pew at his
Congregational Church
John Brown finally put his grand plan into action on July 3,
1859, when he and three other men scouted the federal arsenal at
Harper's Ferry. Brown's plan was to take the arsenal, arm freed
slaves in the vicinity, and then retreat to the mountains where they
could mount additional raids to free more slaves.
Brown and his fellow prisoners were transported eight miles to
Charles Town, were they arraigned on three state charges: treason
against Virginia, inciting slaves to rebellion, and murder. After
hearing the charges, Brown rose to say, If you want my blood, you
can have it any moment, without this mockery of a trial.
Around 11 o'clock Brown, with his arms tied behind his back with
rope and wearing a black coat and trousers, white socks, and red
slippers, was led from his prison cell to the gallows.
Famous Trials
Thomas More Galileo
Mutiny on the Bounty
John Brown
Oscar Wilde |
