John Brown and the Raid at Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is the place where John Brown (an abolitionist) led a notorious raid on the town's federal armory. His plan was to free slaves, in Virginia, by force.

Some historians think Brown's actions on that day - October 16, 1859 - may have been a spark which led Americans to fight a civil war.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting has produced a story about Harpers Ferry and John Brown's raid. Part of the Outlook series, this 26-minute episode is split into two parts:

This Outlook program focuses on Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (previously Virginia). The first section explores the birth and history of this pre-civil war, industrial town. The second section focuses on the abolitionist, John Brown, and his raid on the armory and town of Harpers Ferry.