John Brown rode from the jail to the gallows on top of his own coffin, which was hauled in acriminal's wagon drawn by two white horses. It was just before 11 a.m. on Dec. 2, 1859, in Charles Town, Va., now part of West Virginia. Brown, the fierce abolitionist who had led an armed insurrection against slavery, was ready to die. He had written a note in his cell before leaving for the gallows: I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.
 
 Brown had been found guilty of conspiracy, inciting servile insurrection and treason against the state, after leading at least 18 men in the raid of an armory at Harpers Ferry. Brown was accused of planning to seize the weapons stored in the armory, give them to enslaved black men and spark an antislavery rebellion, according to accounts. But after a 36-hour standoff, according to the Library of Virginia, Brown and his men were killed or captured by militia members and U.S. Marines led by Robert E. Lee.
 
Show your support and start the discussion by putting this sticker on your laptop, gun case, safe, car, or anywhere else you can (legally) reach! This sticker measures 4"x2.6" and is printed on a white premium adhesive film with a matte weather resistant laminate to give it a 5 year minimum outdoor life.