The Case:
Our contributor bought a spear, or pike, from an antique shop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He knows abolitionist John Brown lived near Chagrin Falls and wonders if rebels used this blade in John Brown’s famous raid at Harpers Ferry, VA.
In October 16, 1859, John Brown and 18 men attacked the federal armory in Harpers Ferry. Brown wanted to secure weapons for a future slave rebellion. Instead, thirteen raiders were killed; John Brown was captured and hanged.
To find out whether rebels used this pike in that raid, History Detectives follows the trail to the blacksmith who forged the weapon over 150 years ago, and walks the ground at Harpers Ferry where the battle took place.
More Information
Unionville Museum
15 School Street
Unionville, CT 06085
(860) 673-2231
http://www.unionvillemuseum.org
Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park
171 Shoreline Drive
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
http://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm
Related Content
Video:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Little Bighorn Bayonet
Could this bayonet have been used at one of the largest massacres of U.S. soldiers by American Indians?
-
Related Investigation
Face Jug
What does this ceramic face reveal about the Middle Passage and a captive people’s search for identity?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Civil War Balloon
Could this piece of frayed material be from the country's first military airship?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Mankato Spoon
What does this delicate silver spoon have to do with the largest mass execution in American history?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
WWII Patch
What is the story behind these patches?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Cemetery Alarm
Was this explosive device used to stop a morbid black market trade?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.