John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry 1859 | The Spark Before the Civil War On October 16, 1859, abolitionist John Brown led his infamous raid on Harpers Ferry, seizing the federal armory in hopes of sparking a massive slave uprising. Instead, he was quickly captured and later executed for treason. Though his plan failed, Brown’s defiance made him a martyr—and his actions pushed America closer to the Civil War. John Brown Harpers Ferry, John Brown raid 1859, John Brown abolitionist, John Brown exec

'Midnight Rising' Explores Life, Legend of John Brown