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03For Immediate Release
Participants of the John Brown Raid of 1859 commemorated in 150th anniversary events
Was John Brown a “hero” or a “terrorist”? After almost 150 years, many people are still not sure.
But in 2009, you might be able to have your questions answered, as throughout the year, organizations in
Almost 100 events are already being planned, with some still under consideration.
Throughout the year there will be information available about a plethora of characters tied to the raid. Those characters will include John Blessing, a Charles Town man who befriended John Brown while the abolitionist awaited his trial; Fontaine Beckham, mayor of Harpers Ferry and one of the civilian casualties of the raid; Shields Green, a colored raider who was captured and hanged; Luke Quinn, U.S. Marine and the only military casualty of the raid; and Frederick Douglass, Negro leader who refused to join the raid.
In
“The Secret Six” who funded John Brown’s activities and the U.S. Marines and their leader, Brevet Colonel Robert E. Lee (U.S. Army) who dramatically captured John Brown on the morning of October 18, 1859, will be featured in special events.
Additionally, academic papers will be presented, walking tours in historic Charles Town and
And there will be a walk in the footsteps of John Brown and his men from the Kennedy Farm to
A visit to the town of
Historians will be on hand to answer questions and debate the raid itself. Authors will discuss the events and John Brown himself. Descendents of people actually involved in the situation will be revisiting the area, including descendents of John Brown.
A special website has been set up to give you details of all the events including contact information. The website will be updated on a regular basis as new activities are planned. Please visit the website at www.johnbrownhf.com Or call Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau for details at 1-866-HELLO-WV.
Labels: 150 years, Family, John Brown, West Virginia
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