Last week I discussed a southern newspaper that argued that only legal means should be used against abolitionists who threatened southern communities. Immediately after the Harpers Ferry Raid, however, this newspaper had a different perspective. The editor was not concerned about abolitionists invading the South, but rather argued in late October 1859 that Harpers Ferry […]
19
Oct
09
Harpers Ferry – "Good Out of Evil"
Posted by sailerd Published in Antebellum (1840-1861), Historic Periodicalsno comment
7
Oct
09
Harpers Ferry – Southern Reaction
Posted by sailerd Published in Antebellum (1840-1861), Historic PeriodicalsThe South’s reaction to John Brown’s attack is often characterized as a violent one. “The shock and fear John Brown had instigated fueled widespread panic…[that] fed into paranoia vented in aggressive acts,” as historian David Reynolds explains. Yet not all southerners accepted violent actions. Protecting their communities remained a high priority, but these southerners argued […]
5
Oct
09
Harpers Ferry – Digital Resources
Posted by sailerd Published in Antebellum (1840-1861), Letters & Diaries, Rare Books“Slavery & Abolition in the US: Select Publications of the 1800s,” a digital collection from Dickinson College and Millersville University, has several important resources on the Harpers Ferry raid. James Redpath, a reporter who strongly supported abolitionists, published The Public Life of Capt. John Brown in April 1860. Redpath, who first met Brown in Kansas, […]
30
Sep
09
“True and Candid Compositions"
Posted by sailerd Published in 19th Century (1840-1880), Images, Letters & Diaries“True and Candid Compositions: The Lives and Writings of Antebellum Students at the University of North Carolina” is an interesting online exhibit from Documenting the American South at UNC-Chapel Hill. The site breaks down this period (1795-1869) into six chapters and each one has essays on key topics and relevant primary sources. One particularly interesting […]
25
Sep
09
"John Brown’s Day of Reckoning"
Posted by sailerd Published in Antebellum (1840-1861), Recent ScholarshipThe Smithsonian recently published “John Brown’s Day of Reckoning,” an interesting article by Fergus Bordewich that discusses Brown’s attack on Harpers Ferry. While the raid took place 150 years ago, Bordewich observes that Brown “remains one of the most emotive touchstones of our racial history.” In addition, both the attack and Brown’s execution in early […]
22
Sep
09
Check out Debating Emancipation Online, a new interactive site developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Students assume “the role of Lincoln’s closest advisers” and use primary sources to “learn how they would advise the President on this controversial issue.” Be sure to download the teacher guide for an overview of this online program, […]
7
Jul
09
The Smithsonian recently brought their Civil War collection to the internet. The site allows users to view the different exhibits from the comfort of their own homes. Each exhibit displays an image as well as a relevant description of the artifact. The exhibits deal with issues such as slavery and abolition, soldiering, and leaders. Additionally, […]
19
Jun
09
Interested in Learning More About the Dred Scott Case?
Posted by Published in Antebellum (1840-1861), Recent ScholarshipIf you are interested in the Dred Scott Case of 1857, a great place to start your research is House Divided’s Major Topic Page on the Dred Scott Case. There you can find excerts of modern scholarship concerning the infamous case. Also by searching through the tabs, you can find information reguarding the people involved […]
19
Jun
09
Experience Henry "Box" Brown's Escape
Posted by parkd Published in Antebellum (1840-1861), Recent ScholarshipThe House Divided currently offers an intriguing exhibit on Henry “Box” Brown and his incredible journey to freedom. The exhibit compliles images depicting his trek, a map of his path, and a three-dimensional Sketch Up of the box in which he traveled. Also, a brief yet informative descritption accompanies each image, bringing the story to […]
19
Jun
09
Of the many differences between America today and America during the House Divided era is the relationships between politicians and persons of a more controversial quality. 150 years ago, politicians associated and communicated with persons whose national stature would make such contact disastrious today. For example is a letter written by the infamous John Brown […]
