John Brown's Conviction: A Turning Point in Civil War Events
This week in West Virginia history
The Herald Dispatch | Tuesday, November 4, 2025
This week in history highlights a significant event from November 2, 1859, when John Brown was convicted of murder, treason, and insurrection in the courthouse in Charles Town. His raid on Harpers Ferry was pivotal in escalating tensions between the North and South, contributing to the onset of the Civil War. This historical moment underscores the region's role in national events, emphasizing its lasting impact on the local heritage and collective memory, as reported by The Herald Dispatch.