John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859 was a daring but doomed attempt to ignite a slave uprising in the American South. Leading a small, racially mixed group of 21 men, the radical abolitionist seized the federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, hoping to arm enslaved people and spark a liberation movement. The raid was quickly suppressed by U.S. Marines led by Robert E. Lee, and Brown was captured, tried for treason, and hanged. Though militarily unsuccessful, the raid electrified the na

The Federal government's response to the John Brown Raid was to dispatch a company of U.S. Marines to Harpers Ferry. What exactly did a Marine look like in 1859? What kind of equipment did they carry? Our own Ranger Stan, with the help of Tom Frezza of the Marine Corps Historical Company standing in as an 1859 Marine, provides a visual and explanation. Stan also describes what John Brown's raiders were using against them. Bark Ranger Quinn makes a surprise guest appearance. ~ GEB #JohnBrown #Har