HIST348: Peoples of Kansas

Aerial view of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, looking west.

As most of you know, my fall break was spent in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, at an academic symposium called John Brown Remembered: 150th Anniversary of John Brown’s Raid.  In addition to many academic presentations and lectures (see the link for more info), we were lucky enough to participate in several walking tours and other commemorative events.  Interestingly, this event was the kick-off for the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, which goes to show that our understanding of this conflict is constantly being refined as historians acknowledge how the Civil War spans more than just the four years between 1861 and 1865.  Although the weather was downright miserable, the events were amazing and I only wish that you could have experienced it for yourselves!

Here are some news articles related to the anniversary, if you want to blog about Brown at some point in the semester.  Although the raid on Harpers Ferry did not take place in Kansas, Brown’s involvement in the history of our state makes him a worthy subject of study.

“Gearing Up for John Brown Sesquicentennial” from the Harpers Ferry Historic Town Foundation

“John Brown’s Day of Reckoning” from Smithsonian Magazine

“300 Follow Abolitionist John Brown’s Footsteps on 150th Anniversary of Harpers Ferry Raid” from 39 News in Houston