 |
John Brown, an American abolitionist known for his passionate stance against slavery, came to Chatham in 1858 to seek support for the proposed liberation of slaves and the establishment of a free society. "There was scant ceremony at these opening proceedings by these earnest men. They were of two colors but one mind and all were equal in degree and station here. No civic address to this Canadian town, no beat of drums; no firing of guns was heard. The place was rude and unadorned, yet the object of this little parliament was the freedom of four million slaves." |
In 1859, John Brown and his small band of 21 men unsuccessfully raided Harper's Ferry, Virginia, consequently, John Brown was hanged for treason. Eighteen months later, the Civil War began. In recognition of Chatham's role in John Brown's plans and the U.G.R.D., as of April 2001, the Heritage Room was officially designated as the "John Brown Depot". |
|
|
|
|
Kennedy Farm |
John Brown Fort |
