Few figures in American history are as controversial—or as consequential—as John Brown. A devout Christian and fervent abolitionist, Brown first gained national attention for leading anti-slavery forces during “Bleeding Kansas,” and later became a symbol of resistance after his failed 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry. Though executed for treason, Brown’s bold actions and unflinching resolve made him a martyr to some and a terrorist to others. His story reverberated across the nation and, many argue, helped ignite the Civil War. In this compelling lecture, historian Stephen D. Engle traces Brown’s evolution from moral zealot to revolutionary figure, examining how his life, death, and enduring legacy shaped public opinion, deepened sectional divides, and accelerated the nation’s path toward emancipation and civil war.

Few figures in American history are as controversial—or as consequential—as John Brown. A devout Christian and fervent abolitionist, Brown first gained national attention for leading anti-slavery forces during “Bleeding Kansas,” and later became a symbol of resistance after his failed 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry. Though executed for treason, Brown’s bold actions and unflinching resolve made him a martyr to some and a terrorist to others. His story reverberated across the nation and, many argue, helped ignite the Civil War. In this compelling lecture, historian Stephen D. Engle traces Brown’s evolution from moral zealot to revolutionary figure, examining how his life, death, and enduring legacy shaped public opinion, deepened sectional divides, and accelerated the nation’s path toward emancipation and civil war.