Pike purchased by John Brown for the Harpers Ferry Raid

This pike was one of hundreds purchased by militant abolitionist John Brown to lead a war to free enslaved people. In 1859, Brown organized and armed 21 men—including five African Americans—to raid an arsenal at Harpers Ferry (in present-day West Virginia). The unsuccessful attack led to Brown’s execution—and spread fear throughout the South.

LI-2019-01.05