Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
John Brown
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 5, 2009
1. John Brown Marker
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: Abolition & Underground RR. 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. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
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 Hattery and Glove Factory (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ransom of Hagerstown (within shouting distance of this marker); A City Divided
this page online
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.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 5, 2009
2. John Brown Marker
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 5, 2009
3. University Plaza Plaque
Located on the gate entrance to the plaza.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,798 times since then and 35 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?
