John Brown's Raid at Harpers Ferry: Civil War West Virginia

It makes perfect sense to start our video trip through West Virginia and Kentucky not only right on the geographic edge of our theater, but also at one of the main sparks that helped propel the country toward war-John Brown’s Raid at Harpers Ferry. Garry Adelman is joined by former park ranger and co-founder of the American Battlefield Trust, Dennis Frye, for this in-depth breakdown!
Look for our numerous videos on KZbin over the next week, and special thanks to all the donors who helped make this trip possible! bit.ly/3sUTjnO

[@SpacemanXC]

He captured Harper's Ferry with his nineteen men so true He frightened old Virginia till she trembled through and through They hung him for a traitor, they themselves the traitor crew But his soul goes marching on! Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!

[@zacharyking900]

He was a moron. And Robert E Lee took him out.

[@zacharyking900]

And his crime was against the United States of America. Pity that you learned nothing from this.

[@SpacemanXC]

@@zacharyking900 Since youtube wants to keep deleting my comments, I'll try and say this, that version of the US was a bullshit racist country, and needed changing.

[@NKDuisburg02]

A true US-American hero. How come he isn't celebrated more? Question from a foreigner who finds it disconcerting that the CSA is still celebrated and such a great anti-abolitionist is hardly mentioned and if he is, he is usually just labelled as a complete lunatic.

[@SpacemanXC]

@@NKDuisburg02 It's sad what's happened here. There's a delusion that started immediately after the civil war was over. The south started apologizing for itself. Trying to paint itself as a rebel against northern aggression. That the war was about states rights, not slavery. Unfortunately that delusion is still well in place. Despite the fact that we can read the actual journals of the southern soldiers who fought in the war. They knew what they were fighting for, and they called it slavery. I think John Brown is a hero.

[@jnucleo]

If only we had guys like this teaching history in school.

[@christopherbullock2644]

You used to...

[@liamhughes5446]

Definitely reminds me of a couple professors I've had. They're the reason I like history so much.

[@AaronBrand]

We do, some of us, have great teachers.

[@crimony3054]

Only in your private school. Public schools can't get this interesting or detailed or they become controversial.

[@steftrando]

If only 0% of the students were weird or raised their hand to just get attention and distract the teacher from actually trying to teach. If this guy taught in a public school he would get demoralized pretty quick. Teaching to a camera that won’t interrupt you or curse you out is way easier.

[@assenort]

I have nothing but enormous respect for Dennis - this country needs more people like him and the other members of the American Battlefield Trust. Great work!

[@alaninnh]

I've been to Harper's Ferry several times but always found an empty engine house and never heard this story in such detail. When things get back to normal it would be great to have a living history actor, portraying a marine, on site to give this story. Thanks, this was great.

[@scentlessapprentice88]

Wasnt it amazing? Wow! I just love how he tells it.

[@TeddyBelcher4kultrawide]

Cleveland brown fans

[@mikeogden7047]

Great idea. A marine in period costume to narrate the story. An old marine who's a civil war pilgrim

[@RandyPollock]

Wonderful presentation and an example of how important the Americain Battlefield Trust is.. well-done Gentlemen.

[@gokurippetoe8750]

The presenters's energy is binding, keeps you hooked throughout the presentation

[@andrewcanady6644]

True. You can tell people that really have a passion and energy for the subject. They transmit electricity that you can feel.

[@SuperPhester]

What a history lesson. Thank you. Have heard of John Brown, but know nothing about him.

[@Pulsatyr]

Brown was the Junior Deacon of Hudson Masonic Lodge #68 in Ohio when he declared that he would devote his life to abolition at the Congregational Church. His father, Owen, owned tanneries, one of which employed Jesse Grant, the father of Ulysses S. Grant. Although John Brown moved frequently, we in Hudson like to think this was his hometown. It is where he made his fortune and where he dedicated himself to the cause. Jesse Grant was a frequent visitor at the Brown home. A house fire could have changed the course of history dramatically.

[@jared706]

The Dollop podcast has an episode on him.

[@jeffryhammel3035]

@@Pulsatyr Wow, thank you. So informative. People need to study the few men before The Civil War like Brown and his Sons (Owen, ect.) that ACTED on the evils of slavery, not just talked about them in Boston or N.Y.C. I'm glad you're proud of your historical perspective over there!

[@STho205]

Slavery came late to the British colonies that became the US, and it was therefore going to end a bit later than it ended officially in Britain....however it was going to end within a generation of 1859...and likely end legally and peacefully as it eventually did in the UK. 25 years prior to abolition, the Parliament couldn't imagine it ending. 30 years before it ended in NY, Penn, Mass their governments wouldn't entertain the idea either. The pattern was there in the states and the nation for gradual realization and growing wage capitalism replacing slave labor John Brown's juhadist faction and this raid ended a hope that was going to happen. After the raid the southern states reorganized their miltias into state armies. The raid and a first republican presidency + congressional majority were the fuel the secessionist needed to instill panic in the general population. As you can all see, it is a wound that will not close....though it has eventually closed in most nations that abolished it in the mid 1800s

[@scentlessapprentice88]

Dennis Frye as always is amazing. I would absolutely love to have this man give me a tour next time im in Harper's ferry or antietam. This man is an encyclopedia of information and he has that specific special quality it takes to teach people and have the information stick with them. Thanks Dennis!

[@DChuck]

This man is a fantastic storyteller.

[@johnstrong283]

Amazing, powerful lesson. I've been to Harper's Ferry 3 times and this is the first time I really understand what it looked like and what happened in October 1859. Thank you.

[@7bootzy]

This guy is my absolute favorite presenter ever!

[@justint.holljr.6746]

He’s good alright. At first I didn’t want to like him, but you have to. Watch some others, too. Dennis Frye has lots of them out there.

[@charlottemace1810]

That is the best narration of that battle I've ever heard.

[@Decadent36]

I love to hear someone revved up about history speaking with such passion. It really makes a difference!

[@christopherhughes5729]

This channel is Awesome. You guys get me hanging on every word. My goodness. I love it!! History comes alive in y'all's words! Thank ya!!

[@scotfarquharson6836]

My 11th grade history teacher Mr. Puterio did!

[@terryhiett3406]

Love you guys. I wish you guys where around when I was in school in history class. You guys do better than most documentaries. Thanks for the videos guys!!!!!

[@jamesbednar8625]

Awesome video!!! Been to Harpers ferry a few times in late 1990s & early 2000s and enjoyed the area. Glad you panned the camera around a little bit to show some of the scenery for had forgotten how beautiful the region is. Been living in Kansas for 25+ years and have visited all the sites associated with John Brown in Kansas from Osawatomie, KS, where the cabin of his sister is now a state historic site and to the various pre-Civil War battlefields that he fought on. Also been to the sites of the Potawatomie Creek Massacre and Marais des Cygnes Massacres. Always amazes me how Civil War history basically forgets the happenings in late 1850s in Kansas-Missouri, and forget what was happening out this way even during the war years. Anyways, hope to make another visit to Harpers Ferry sometime in the future.

[@markleach116]

I love Harpers Ferry .. and listening to Dennis!! Well done!

[@drott150]

"It makes perfect sense to start our video...at one of the main sparks that helped propel the country toward war" posted on November 7, 2020. Right you are, sir.

[@timboehm8700]

I love this guys videos: Always makes Civil War history so inviting, interesting, and captivating as I wait for each new sentence of information that I never knew before today. Thank you for the great videos that you do in the benefit it provides all of us!

[@stevek8829]

This wasn't part of the War of Secession.

[@williamsteele1409]

@@stevek8829 yes it was the civil started in 1856 with bloody Kansas if you think about it history tells us that they just didn't know it

[@chiragbhatt5672]

What an AMAZING description by Dennis F. Wow he paints such a vivid picture and takes you back and describes exactly how things looked back in time. What a great job. Love his videos!

[@rustyshakelford9056]

this guy giving the tour, what a story teller!

[@djtechinics97dj37]

if only school teachers had the same passion this man has to teach history. amazing video

[@steftrando]

Heh, they do, but the students are apathetic at best interrupt and curse out the teacher at worse. That happening every single day can demoralize anybody.

[@CitizenCraftymethod]

great presentation really made me feel like I was there and the positional explanations were really effective. Albany wa

[@scentlessapprentice88]

Agreed and hello my brother American from Philadelphia, PA!

[@CitizenCraftymethod]

@@scentlessapprentice88 wa being western australia :p

[@anthonybendl8125]

Dennis Frye makes history come alive. Well done!

[@wallacesheckells7095]

I have been to Harpers Ferry many times. I live in Maryland. Listening to this story helps me better understand everything I have seen. I knew the fort was not in its original location. I hope it will soon be put where it belongs. Thank you for this video.

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

First visited there back in the sixties, great history and so much to learn there . Enjoyed watching, really good description of what happened there , thank you .

[@CptRoboto]

Excellent. Feels like we’re there with you.

[@michaeldouglas1243]

As usual fellas...very impressive story. U draw me right into the scene everytime I also am a proud financial supporter of the american battlefield trust. Carry on the great work

[@DocMatthews0311]

Dennis, your presentation style is engaging and I was hanging on for more. Great job!

[@FrankMinogue]

The real beginning of the Civil War!! Awesome show!

[@McIntyreBible]

Another excellent presentation of this American historical event!

[@poodlesgalore2327]

Just back from a Civil War tour of five battlefields and spent a little more than a day in Harpers Ferry. But I have been there 3 times. I learn something new each time. Watching this makes me want to visit again next year. Thank you American Battlefield Trust.

[@sharonharris8152]

Wow !!! Just saw this video for the first time today and what a mesmerizing story ,told by a fabulous story teller !!! How I wish every historical presentation and presenter were like this one !!! It doesn’t get any better than this !!! Thank you for bringing history to life !!!

[@patrickfairchild2330]

A troubling time that should be remembered - a haunting place.

[@davidcuriel4519]

I have been told haunting stories about the ghosts that haunt the area along the river.

[@patrickfairchild2330]

@@davidcuriel4519 what I love the most of civil war lore are the tiny folklore stories that pop up unbidden - i ALWAYS ask - what are the ghost stories

[@jlamont2367]

Dennis Frye you are awesome!! Just listening to you explain what actually happened makes it so much clearer to me. Thank you!

[@charleydraper8656]

Dennis Frye, is the absolute best

[@earlwashington8104]

Wow, great storyteller! I don't think I blinked an eye for 17 minutes.

[@callunaraven5144]

Thanks for sharing the story of harper ferrie,, I just came across a newspaper clipping from one of my ancestors on mom's side who was involved in the Harper's Ferrie Campaign ❤

[@mikesnitro]

I'm even more excited now, to get down there next weekend. What better place to spend Memorial Day!

[@jeffp6013]

Dennis Thank you for the great presentation. I met you many yrs ago while filming Gods and Generals. You took us extras on a tour of Sharpsburg and Harpers Ferry. I enjoyed both and it was great to hear someone talk about these places who had some knowledge. Thanks again

[@davidstepeck2644]

Wonderful video and enthusiasm; I could watch you all day! I've been a member of the CWPT since 2005 and am very proud of the work being done by the ABT. Keep up the good work!

[@5graney5]

Planning my trip now. Fabulous stuff

[@ronlinfonte2651]

GREAT JOB Dennis and Gary. What an informative talk! Keep ‘em coming!

[@Ray-vv4ey]

Very well done. Succinct. I don't recall this topic being addressed before, at least in this format. I've had the pleasure of visiting Harpers Ferry, and know some of the back story on the battle and surrender. As I represent, as a living historian, a private soldier of the 82nd Illinois Vol. Infantry Regiment, 11th Corps, which has endured the " slings and arrows" of criticism for nearly 160 years, based on the first day's action at Gettysburg, despite exemplary service on day two, as well as solid service in the latter half of the war. Again, well done.

[@CercaTrovaProduction]

John Brown is the greatest American of all time. Great video as always, thanks for making such excellent content.

[@tcizzi]

Yes he is.

[@bf9414]

WoW! that was one of the best presentations ever. Well Done !

[@tbd5041]

Thank you! Absolutely fantastic!

[@georgec4917]

Very interesting, was there over a year ago what a beautiful area. You explain it so well the 17 minutes went by quickly.

[@alonsocushing2263]

Very well done and presented with passion. Bravo!

[@TheK9COPPER]

Really enjoying these videos! I’m lucky enough to live close to Harpers Ferry. Thanks guys

[@kxrv6629]

Thanks for the specific history lesson. I was in Harper’s Ferry yesterday for the first time in 49 years. The last time I was here I did not look around much as I was concluding a hike of a section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through town. Several of the historical buildings were closed. So it was difficult to get a picture of how John Brown’s raid occurred. Thanks for filling in the details.

[@dale7919]

Fantastic Story and Presentation.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The opener is so passionate about this.

[@dojowest]

amazing energy + explanation. thank you

[@AbecedariusRex]

Fascinating. Really fun to watch. Thanks.

[@LeesTexan]

God Bless, you guys do so much to preserve the battlefields !

[@jordankirschner8160]

I absolutely LOVE this video! I'm a high school teacher and showed this to my students after learning about John Brown's raid. I love the enthusiasm and the level of knowledge is wonderful to see. Thank you so much for creating engaging and interesting video on site! :)

[@flaminglaughter]

That was an excellent presentation! Thanks!!

[@lefin3730]

Ah that was brillant. A really interesting, knowledgable and very well presented video. Thank you for this content........I did not know Jeb Stuart was at Harpers Ferry with Lee.

[@JazzMan76]

Very well done!!! I enjoyed every second of this presentation. Very informative and I learned quite a bit. Best luck on your trip and better luck for the American Battlefield Trust organization. Save our history.

[@keithhuotari2571]

Awesome video!! Thanks for sharing.

[@PatrickClarkin]

The family and I visited Harpers Ferry about a week ago. I was hoping to see Dennis in town somewhere. I assume he’s always ready to teach an audience something new and interesting.

[@jw2par]

Man I love your passion on this . Thank you!

[@thomahammer9581]

Oustanding! Wish I had seen this before visiting Harpers Ferry six years ago. Great job to make the story come to life. If I was an American History Instructor, this guys videos would be in my lesson plan.

[@robmurray33]

I absolutely love the passion you both have for the subject. Thank you :)

[@chrisdavern9482]

Love these Live videos very informative and excellent presentation from the American battlefield trust crew

[@rmorlayhe]

What an informative and interesting video. Great job guys!

[@helenwood1]

Thank you for doing this!

[@noelp4916]

Very informative and interesting, thanking you. From Australia.

[@marcuslaker5876]

How courageous...the Marines dealt with it.

[@organicflatearthprepper7498]

great video, thanks. Was there visiting a few months ago from NJ

[@BoxOfficeVegasLLC]

Thanks for the great presentation!

[@rgbrin]

You are one very lucky man Sir,,,,I would love to have had your job and lived where you lived,,,,I love Harpers Ferry and surrounding area and I love Civil War History,,,,,Thank you Sir

[@randyhicks4896]

Love Harpers Ferry. My Dad worked as volunteer in the park. Good informative talk Thanks

[@jessicatrevino2361]

That’s my hometown! Love it 😍

[@mab4670]

Another awesome tour!

[@zacharyclark5617]

One of the most influential men to bring about the Civil War.

[@shiningstaer]

Ya he’s awesome!!!!!

[@TenOrbital]

Could anyone like that exist today.

[@JohnnyRebWasATexan]

You guys do realize John Brown and his men killed a free black man at Harpers Ferry right?......

[@TenOrbital]

@@JohnnyRebWasATexan - he was no Nathan Bedford Forrest

[@JohnnyRebWasATexan]

@@TenOrbital Nope, he sure was not. But he and his men took part in the murder of a freed black man by shooting him in his back at Harpers Ferry. Very likeable man i guess....

[@susiepittman601]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks so much.

[@shanelarkin7611]

Sheeeeeeesh bro this vid bussin, no cap 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@thedefensecoalition]

Happy to be subscribed. This really helps my civil war studies.

[@dhutton77]

Talk about making history come alive. Thank you!

[@elvirabudda]

Great show. Very much as well structured as Time Team (Tony Robinson, etc.) . And very entertaining.

[@tessstuepfert4642]

Well done guys! This video is terrific! Perfect balance of entertainment and details

[@rikkblakk3987]

GREAT VIDEO I love seeing all the sites that i cant see just yet in person

[@travelyanscorn]

This is such a great video, thank you for sharing. The presenter is amazing!

[@tomy.1846]

Well done! Great energy and enthusiasm while telling the story!

[@chadchad5927]

Can't find a John brown in the world today but his spirit lives on

[@evanmyers100]

Love these videos

[@muzikmonkeyman1]

Thanks . Great Job !

[@marcclement7396]

Nice job on this guys. Love the enthusiasm.

[@iangarrott21]

Great job. Great story telling.

[@dariusricks3553]

great video , great story telling !

[@bamargerin]

GREAT DEMONSTRATION 👍

[@grguy793]

Great story, thanks.

[@deanb4799]

Cool. Canadian Civil War buff. Great info about Harpers Ferry. Never knew too much, just it was important. Thanks!

[@franklubbock8400]

That was awesome! well done!

[@The_PaleHorseman]

You'll be really close to me, I am north of richmond! Awesome that youre doing this!

[@dennislee444]

great job , thanks

[@ephraim2793]

Excellent job sir!

[@sackilda]

I found out about this event by a quarter thank you for expanding my mind!!!