October 16, 1859 – Abolitionist John Brown and twenty additional men, including six Iowans, invade the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry.

With the help of one of his abolitionist friends – Dr. Jesse Bowen – several rooms were booked at The Crummy House on Washington Street. The word soon got out that John Brown was in the vicinity, and attracted by a three thousand dollar reward that had been offered by Missouri authorities, several locals made plans for Brown’s capture. Come read how Iowa City abolitionists helped Brown and his friends escape harm.

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