Military Strategies of John Brown’s Raid in Harpers Ferry
Historian shares the military aspects of John Brown’s raid
The Spirit of Jefferson | Wednesday, February 12, 2025
In an insightful piece from The Spirit of Jefferson, Stephen Bockmiller delves into the military operations surrounding John Brown's 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry. As he describes, the governmental response involved a rare collaboration of nearly 90 U.S. Marines and local militia forces under Colonel Robert E. Lee's command, marking a significant moment in the militarization of federal authority in the region. This convergence of different military branches represented not only a tactical challenge but also a pivotal point in the establishment of federal military power, echoing the area's profound historical significance.
