John Brown's Raid

by U.S. National Park Service

Tells the story of John Brown’s raid on the armory at Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia in 1859, including events leading up to the raid and its aftermath. Also contains a brief biography of John Brown, and an eyewitness account of his capture.

70 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 1985

Reviews

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best basic history of John Brown's raid that I found when we were visiting Harper's Ferry. It gives all the pertinent details of Brown's background and the people and places that were part of the event. Since I knew nothing about Harper's Ferry and John Brown's revolt, it was perfect for me.
A few surprises: I learned that Lt. Greene was the first to enter the engine house Brown's men were using as their fort, and he attempted to kill Brown, but his sword missed his skull and gashed his neck, whereupon he "gave him a saber thrust in the left breast...The blade bent double."
Not exactly what we're used to seeing in the movies...in fact, reading the account made me more aware that most of history's highlighted moments were actually messy, confused, tragic affairs.

[William Olenick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short NPS publication discusses the preparation, raid and aftermath of the raid by John Brown on Harper's Ferry.
Discussion of John Brown's background movement around the country and his times in Kansas are included. Multiple drawings and a few maps are supportive of the text.
This is a good read and understand that there may be a longer updated version just recently published.

[Daniel York · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical account of Civil War Slave Protector/Fighter John Brown