jan 1, 1859 - Raid on Harpers Ferry
Description:
• An attempt by white abolitionist John Brown to start an armed slave revolt by seizing a United States Arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia• Defeated by a detachment of U.S. Marines led by Robert E. Lee
• Brown was found guilty of treason and was hanged.
Historical Significance:
Brown became a martyr to many Northerners, which in turn made many Southerners suspect that they were involved in - or at least supportive of - violent slave rebellions.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1859
Now
~ 166 years ago