Jefferson County
Courthouse
Charles Town, WV
Where John Brown was Tried
Photos/text courtesy of Richard Edling, Philadelphia, PA For any use of these photos contact Webmaster
|
|
The Jefferson County Courthouse in
Charles Town, West Virginia (formerly Virginia), was the site of the 1859
trial of John Brown after his raid and subsequent capture at Harpers
Ferry. Brown had attempted to lead a slave rebellion and establish a free
black stonghold in the Appalachians. The trial drew great attention,
especially from northern sympathizers who campaigned for his acquittal.
Attempting to evade trial by claiming illness, Brown was pronounced
competent to stand trial by a physician, but was allowed to lie on a cot
to deliver his testimony. Brown's illness, however, did nothing to sway
the court and he was found guilty of conspiring with slaves to rebel, of
murder and of treason against Virginia. Sentenced to death, Brown was
hanged near the courthouse and his body was removed by train to his farm
in upstate New York. John Brown's violent protest against slavery set the
stage for the bloody national conflict that would erupt three years later. |
![]() |
![]() |
|
(8-2007) Charles Town, WV |
(8-2007)
Jefferson County Courthouse |
|
|
||
![]() |
![]() |
|
(8-2007)
Enlarge
Jefferson County Courthouse |
(8-2007)
Enlarge
Jefferson County Courthouse |
|
![]() |
||
(8-2007) Enlarge Jefferson County Courthouse - Two Treason Trials |
|
Sites by State Home Return to Site Index