The Black Family: John Brown's Body Lies Moldering in the Grave: Harpers Ferry

During previous visits to DC, we toured Gettysburg, Mt. Vernon, the National Mall, many museums, etc.
Scott recommended we visit this less known but really awesome historical site at Harpers Ferry so we jumped in the vans and took off.

John Brown (picture borrowed from the internet)

Old John Brown’s body lies moldering in the grave,
While weep the sons of bondage whom he ventured all to save;
But tho he lost his life while struggling for the slave,
His soul is marching on.

John Brown was an American revolutionary abolitionish who in the 1850s advocated and practiced armed insurrection as a means to abolish slavery in the United States. In 1859 he led a deadly rebellion where five men were killed. Later that year he made his name in the unsuccessful raid in a little town called Harpers Ferry. He was hung but his speeches at the trial captured national attention. Brown has been called "the most controversial of all 19th-century Americans" and "America's first
domestic terrorist." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brown_(abolitionist)

Historians agree that the Harpers Ferry raid in 1859 escalated tensions that, a year later, led to secession and the Civil War. This is that cute little town. They have a great historic district that is authentically historical and so darn adorable.

This is the firehouse where John Brown and his raiders held off the Southern government forces until the army finally rushed the building and got through the doors to kill and/or capture the rebels.

Thanks Kellie and Scott for bringing us here. We had a great day! You guys always know how to "discover" your area and make the most of every move. We look forward to touring California now:)

Claire trying to make a get-away at Harper's Ferry

Rearranging the historical display.

Da Grills

This is the very spot where Federal Troops and Confederate Troops got on and off the Potomac River during the Civil War. The war was disasterous for the poor little town.