Born May 9, 1800
Torrington, Connecticut
Died December 2, 1859
Charlestown, Virginia

Abolitionist, Underground Railroad conductor, and revolutionary

In October, 1859, John Brown led twenty-one men in a raid on a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Many historians consider that incident to be the “first shots” of the American Civil War (1861–65). Brown had hoped to capture arms and ammunition, then retreat into the nearby mountains to establish a base where runaway slaves would join him for the violent overthrow of the slave system of the American South. Instead, after thirty-six hours and fifteen deaths (including two of Brown’s sons), the well-planned but poorly executed revolt was crushed. Of Brown’s group, ten were killed, five escaped, and the rest were hanged with their leader.

To most abolitionists Brown was a great martyr, an almost saint-like figure who gave his life in a holy crusade...