The small firehouse where John Brown’s anti-slavery crusade met its bloody end

John Brown’s Fort

John Brown thought eighteen men could end slavery in America. On October 16, 1859, his small army seized the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

They planned to arm enslaved people across the South. Instead, Brown found himself trapped in a brick firehouse as Marines closed in. Two days later, it was over.

Here’s what happened at this small brick building you can visit today.

John Brown’s Secret Preparations

John Brown came to Harpers Ferry on July 3, 1859, with two sons and a trusted helper. After fighting against slavery in Kansas, he turned his attention to Virginia.

Brown hid his identity by using the name “Isaac Smith.” He rented Kennedy Farm five miles from town across the Potomac River.

During summer, Brown gathered his small army. Twenty-one men hid in the farmhouse attic during the day, planning their attack.

His young daughter Annie and daughter-in-law Martha kept up appearances by cooking meals and keeping neighbors from getting suspicious.

The Night the Raid Began

On Sunday evening, October 16, 1859, Brown started his war against slavery. He gathered his men for prayer before explaining his battle plan.

Around 11 PM, the group left Kennedy Farm. Three men stayed behind to guard their weapons while the main group walked toward Harpers Ferry.

Brown picked Sunday night on purpose. The town was quiet with few guards watching the federal arsenal that held 100,000 weapons.

The raiders quietly crossed the railway bridge over the Potomac River and entered the sleeping town.

Seizing the Federal Armory

Brown’s men quickly took over the armory, arsenal, and rifle factory. The single night watchman couldn’t stop the armed raiders.

First, they cut telegraph wires to prevent the town from calling for help. This kept Harpers Ferry isolated for a short time.

The raiders captured several important citizens as hostages. One was Lewis Washington, the great-grandnephew of George Washington.

Brown expected local slaves to join him once they heard about his raid. This important part of his plan failed—only a few joined his cause.

When the Town Fought Back

By Monday morning, October 17, local militia groups surrounded the armory. Townspeople armed themselves with whatever weapons they could find.

A passenger train arrived during the night. Brown stopped it briefly but then let it continue. The train crew warned officials in Baltimore and Washington about the raid.

The town mayor walked too close to the fighting and was shot dead in the street.

His death angered the townspeople. They caught raider William Thompson, killed him, and threw his body into the river.

The Retreat to the Engine House

By Monday afternoon, Brown’s situation grew worse. More militia groups from nearby towns arrived at Harpers Ferry.

Brown gathered his remaining men and several hostages into the brick firehouse. This building offered the strongest protection available.

Inside, Brown’s men pointed their guns through small windows and holes drilled in the thick walls. They used the fire engines inside as cover.

Two raiders, Albert Hazlett and Osborne Anderson, managed to escape during the confusion while Brown and his men prepared for a siege.

Robert E. Lee Takes Command

President Buchanan learned about the raid Monday morning. He ordered Colonel Robert E. Lee to take charge of ending the uprising.

Lee was on leave at his home near Washington. He got the president’s orders and took a special train to Harpers Ferry, arriving around 10 PM Monday.

He brought 86 U.S. Marines from the Washington Navy Yard. These were the only federal troops available on short notice.

Lieutenant J.E.B. Stuart came with Lee as his helper. Both men later became famous Confederate generals during the Civil War.

The Final Ultimatum

At dawn on Tuesday, October 18, Lee prepared to end the standoff. He placed his Marines near the engine house while staying out of sight himself.

Lee sent Lieutenant Stuart to offer surrender terms to Brown. Stuart walked to the engine house under a white flag.

Stuart promised protection from the angry crowd if Brown and his men gave up their weapons right away. He demanded an immediate answer.

Brown refused to surrender. He still hoped help might arrive or that slaves in the area might rise up and join him.

The Marine Assault on the Fort

At 6:30 AM, Lieutenant Israel Greene led the Marine attack on the engine house. Lee chose Marines after local militia leaders refused the dangerous job.

Marines used a heavy ladder to break down the door. The first try failed, but the second attempt broke through.

One Marine was shot and killed at the doorway as Brown’s men fired through the broken door. The other Marines rushed in with bayonets.

The entire attack lasted just three minutes. The Marines quickly overcame the defenders in close fighting inside the small engine house.

Brown’s Capture and Wounding

Lieutenant Greene found Brown during the attack and struck him with his sword. The sword bent on Brown’s belt buckle, so Greene hit him with the handle instead.

Brown lived despite serious wounds to his head and side. Marines carried him outside and laid him on the grass.

Two of Brown’s sons lay dying nearby. Watson Brown suffered for 24 hours before dying. Oliver Brown died during the final attack.

People later said Brown stayed amazingly calm despite his wounds and his sons’ deaths. Virginia’s governor called him “the coolest and firmest man” he ever saw.

Aftermath of the Failed Insurrection

The raid ended badly for Brown’s small force. Ten raiders died, including two of Brown’s sons. Five escaped, while seven including Brown were captured.

Brown went on trial in nearby Charles Town, Virginia. He was charged with treason against Virginia, murder, and trying to start a slave rebellion.

The trial started October 27 and lasted just five days. Though badly wounded, Brown attended court lying on a cot.

After less than an hour, the jury found Brown guilty of all charges. The judge sentenced him to hang on December 2, 1859.

Visiting John Brown’s Fort

You’ll find John Brown’s Fort in Lower Town Harpers Ferry, at the intersection of Shenandoah and Potomac Streets in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia. The fort welcomes visitors year-round as part of the park’s self-guided tour experience.

Park rangers often give talks about John Brown’s raid near the fort. Look for the original foundation markers showing where the building first existed before its multiple relocations.

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