What happened and what was the purpose of the raid on Harpers Ferry arsenal?
Abolitionist John Brown leads a small group on a raid against a federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia), in an attempt to start an armed revolt of enslaved people and destroy the institution of slavery. One of Brown’s sons was killed in the fighting.
What happened at Harpers Ferry Virginia in 1859?
Harpers Ferry Raid, (October 16–18, 1859), assault by an armed band of abolitionists led by John Brown on the federal armoury located at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now in West Virginia). It was a main precipitating incident to the American Civil War. It also created a martyr, John Brown, for the antislavery cause.
What really happened at Harpers Ferry?
16, 1859, abolitionist John Brown led 21 men down the road to Harpers Ferry in what is today West Virginia. The plan was to take the town’s federal armory and, ultimately, ignite a nationwide uprising against slavery. The raid failed, but six years later, Brown’s dream was realized and slavery became illegal.
Why did John Brown seize the arsenal at Harpers Ferry?
John Brown wanted to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry so that he could get weapons to give to local slaves in hopes of starting a slave uprising. His plan was to kill or take captive southerners who stood in his way. They did not believe that violence, bloodshed and treason should be used to overcome slavery.
Why is Harpers Ferry important?
Historically, Harpers Ferry is best known for John Brown’s raid in 1859, in which he attempted to use the town and the weapons in its Federal Armory (munitions plant) as the base for a slave revolt, to expand south into the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
How many died at Harpers Ferry?
The Aftermath. Sixteen people were killed in the raid, including ten of Brown’s men. John Brown, Aaron Stevens, Edwin Coppoc, Shields Green, and John Copeland were taken to jail in Charles Town, Virginia, on October 19.
Why did John Brown stage a raid on Harpers Ferry quizlet?
Terms in this set (2) In 1859, a small group of men attacked the small town of Harper’s Ferry in Virginia. They were intent on seizing weapons to give to slaves to start a rebellion. 10 of the men were killed and the leader, John Brown, was captured and tried for treason.
Who put down the raid on Harpers Ferry?
John Brown
On October 16, 1859, John Brown led a small army of 18 men into the small town of Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. His plan was to instigate a major slave rebellion in the South.