Trial of John Brown in Charles Town: A Historic Turning Point
This week in West Virginia history
The Register~Herald | Sunday, November 2, 2025
This week in history features a significant event from 1859, when John Brown was tried for murder and treason in the courthouse at Charles Town, a pivotal moment that intensified the national divide leading to the Civil War. This court case, which followed Brown's infamous raid on Harpers Ferry, is a crucial part of local heritage, illustrating the area's historical significance in American history. For more detailed accounts, readers can explore the West Virginia Encyclopedia.
