Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
John Brown
The Washington House Hotel was a major stop on the National Pike and served as a hospital at times throughout the Civil War. Prior to organizing his raid on the Federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, John Brown registered under the assumed name of "I. Smith" at the Washington House on June 30, 1859. With him were his sons Owen and Oliver, and Jeremiah G. Anderson, all of whom were principal leaders of the raid. Anderson and Oliver Brown died in the raid.
The Washington House Hotel burned in 1879.
Erected 2009 by Maryland Heritage Area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1897.
Location. 39° 38.567′ N, 77° 43.285′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on West Washington Street, on the left when traveling east. Located in the University Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hagerstonians in the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ransom of Hagerstown (within shouting distance of this marker); A City Divided (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hagerstown Commercial Core Historic District (about 300 feet away); For God and Country (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Ransom of Hagerstown (about 400 feet away); Crossroads of History (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.
More about this marker. The marker displays portraits of John Brown, Owen Brown, Oliver Brown, and Jeremiah Anderson. In the center-right is a copy of the Register from the Washington House Hotel, Thursday June 30, 1859. The main illustration is a photo of the hotel.
Also see . . . John Brown's Raid. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on February 28, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,247 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the Plaza • Can you help?