Devising the Raid
Brown’s plan was to attack a federal arsenal in order to steal and use their weapons to arm slaves, eventually choosing Harpers Ferry, Virginia because its location was a convenient gateway to the South. Brown used the summer of 1859 to work out the details of his scheme. The raid was intended to start a ripple effect of abolitionists exploring their own ways to voice their opinion, thus ending in a nationwide uprising of anti-slavery supporters.
Brown, in his plan to act against slavery, sought advice from American abolitionists and political activists Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglas. When Brown asked them to participate, they declined, knowing the mission would most likely cost them their lives. Years prior to the act, Brown recruited free men and slaves to partake instead. Brown also partnered with Harry Stearns, a prominent abolitionist who funded his plan. Brown found inspiration to act in Nat Turner’s Rebellion of 1831, the bloodiest slave revolt of its time, killing more than 50 Virginian slaveholders.
"Caution, Sir! I am eternally tired of hearing that word caution. It is nothing but the word of cowardice!
- John Brown discussing matters with a neighbor, after the neighbor saw a need to give warning to Brown, circa 1859, Nellaware
Farmhouse, circa 1860s, U.S. History
Brown and his soldiers stayed in a rented farmhouse just outside of Harpers Ferry for the days leading up to the raid. He later proceeded to set his plan into action by transporting weapons to the farmhouse and preparing his men for the battle ahead.
"The intent and not the deed is in our power; and, therefore, who dares greatly does greatly."
- John Brown, circa 1850s, Inspiring Quotes