U.S. History

John Brown's Trial

Brian McGinty

About the Program

Attorney Brian McGinty recounts the trial of abolitionist John Brown who led an attack on the U.S. armory and arsenal in Harpers Ferry, Virginia on October 16, 1859.  Brown, who led twenty-one men in the attack, intended to foment a slave rebellion in Virginia.  Following his capture Brown went to trial and was hanged in Charles Town, Virgina on December 2, 1859.  Mr. McGinty discusses the John Brown trial from the court house where it took place in Charles Town, West Virgina.

About the Authors

Brian McGinty

Brian McGinty is the author of Lincoln & the Court.


Buy the author's book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Program Information

John Brown's Trial

Watch This Program
Watch This Program

Purchase This Program

Past Airings

  • Sunday, January 17th at 5:30am (ET)
  • Thursday, November 26th at 9pm (ET)
  • Thursday, November 26th at 9am (ET)
  • Sunday, October 18th at 10pm (ET)
  • Sunday, October 18th at 1am (ET)
Washington Journal on C-SPAN