Born May 9, 1800
Torrington, Connecticut
Died December 2, 1859
Charlestown, Virginia

Abolitionist, Underground Railroad
conductor, revolutionary

In October 1859, John Brown, a white abolitionist (someone who fights against the institution of slavery), led a raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in what many historians refer to as the "first shots" of the American Civil War (1861-65). To most abolitionists, Brown became a great martyr, an almost saint-like figure who gave his life in a holy crusade to end slavery. In the South, Brown was despised. His violent raids and plans of a large-scale revolt—and rumors of more trouble to come—threatened the security of the South and inspired war preparations as far away as Georgia.