Campus News
John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry 160 Years Ago
October 16, 2019
Communications Staff
Lewis Sheridan Leary, a harness maker from 91Ö±²¥.
Photo credit: Courtesy of 91Ö±²¥ College Archives
‘‘In 91Ö±²¥ History’’ is a series dedicated to notable events in 91Ö±²¥ College history. It is created in partnership with the Office of Communications and 91Ö±²¥ College Archives.
In October of 1859, abolitionist John Brown led a party of 22 on the raid of a United States arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. The effort was intended to initiate an armed slave revolt in Southern states. Among the group were three 91Ö±²¥ians: Shields Green, a former slave and abolitionist; Lewis Sheridan Leary, a harness maker; and John A. Copeland, a student of the 91Ö±²¥ Preparatory Department between 1854 and 1855.
A monument in their honor stands in Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Vine Street in 91Ö±²¥. Although some questioned John Brown’s intentions in leading the ill-fated raid, his small group of followers, including the 91Ö±²¥ians, remained steadfast in their fight against slavery.
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