Chatham in Chatham-Kent, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

John Brown's Convention 1858

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

1. John Brown's Convention 1858 Marker

Close up view of the English text side of the historical marker.

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On May 10, 1858, American abolitionist John Brown held the last in a series of clandestine meetings here at First Baptist Church. Brown planned to establish an independent republic within the United States and wage guerrilla war to liberate the South from slavery. He came to Upper Canada to recruit blacks who had fled here in the wake of the Fugitive Slave Law (1850). On October 16, 1859, Brown and 21 supporters seized the government arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and held it against counter-attack for two days. Brown, executed as a traitor, became for many a martyr and hero. His actions escalated the tensions between North and South that led to civil war in 1861.

French Text:
Le 10 mai 1858, l'abolitionniste américain John Brown tient la dernière réunion d'une série de réunions clandestines ici à la First Baptist Church. Brown prévoit établir une république indépendante aux États-Unis et mener une guerre de partisans pour libérer le Sud de l'esclavage. Il vient au Haut-Canada recruter des Noirs qui s'étaient enfuis ici après l'adoption de la loi sur les esclaves fugitifs (1850). Le 16 octobre

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1859, Brown et 21 partisans s'emparent de l'arsenal militaire à Harpers Ferry en Virginie et résistent aux contre-attaques pendant deux jours. Brown, qui est exécuté en tant que traître, devient pour beaucoup un martyr et un héros. Ses actions intensifient les tensions entre le Nord et le Sud qui aboutissent à la guerre de Sécession en 1861.

Erected 1956 by Ontario Heritage Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1862.

Location. 42° 24.357′ N, 82° 10.554′ W. Marker is in Chatham, Ontario, in Chatham-Kent. Marker is on King Street East just east of Prince Street South, on the left when traveling east. This historical marker is located in Chatham, east of the downtown business district, in a residential neighborhood, in front of the First Baptist Church, between Princess and Prince Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 135 King Street East, Chatham ON N7M 3N1, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Abolition Movement in British North America (a few steps from this marker); Kent County Court House (approx. half a kilometer away); Chatham Armoury (approx. 0.6 kilometers away);

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

2. John Brown's Convention 1858 Marker

View of the southeast front corner of the First Baptist Church, with a distant view of the featured historical marker situated at the far left front corner of the structure, and another historical marker situated just to the right of the front door.

Chatham Blockhouse (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Tecumseh (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); The Forks (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Skirmish at the Forks (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); British Encampment: Forks of the Thames (approx. 0.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

Also see . . . Ontario Heritage Trust - First Baptist Church Chatham. This is a link to information provided by the Ontario Heritage Trust. (Submitted on January 20, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

3. John Brown's Convention 1858 Marker

A closer view of the southeast front corner of the First Baptist Church, with a view of the featured historical marker situated at the far left front corner of the structure, and another historical marker situated just to the right of the front door.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

4. John Brown's Convention 1858 Marker

View, looking west on King Street, of the English text side of the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

5. John Brown's Convention 1858 Marker

View, looking east on King Street, of the French text side of the historical marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,574 times since then and 172 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 20, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.