may 1, 1859 - John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry

Description:

A 3-day assault from the Bleeding Kansas attacks perpetrated by (probably crazy) abolitionist John Brown to incite a nationwide slave revolt. His party of 22 attacked a US arsenal at Harper's Ferry, VA, but was soon defeated by some Marines. He was seen as a martyr for the North, as he was radical but also antislavery.

Casualties:
1 Marine
10 assailants
6 civilians