John Brown Farm State Historic Site

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Lake Placid, NY
John Brown Farm State Historic Site

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High in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains is the home and grave of abolitionist John Brown.

Visitors can tour the cabin, explore the hiking trails on the property, and take in the picturesque views of the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks. Located in Lake Placid, NY, John Brown Farm State Historic Site is the home and grave of abolitionist John Brown. Many Americans know the song "John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave," but most do not associate the words with this simple farm at North Elba, New York. On the night of October 16, 1859, Brown and his followers assaulted the U.S. Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, planning to use the captured arms in an extensive campaign for the liberation of the slaves in the South. Brown was captured on October 18, 1859, imprisoned at Charlestown, Virginia, tried by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and hanged on December 2, 1859. His body was returned to North Elba and was buried in front of his home on December 8, 1859. The remains of several of Brown's followers, who fought and died at Harper's Ferry, were moved to this small graveyard in 1899.

10/30/2026

These two new ‘Bark’ Rangers visited yesterday! Tomorrow, 🎃, will be the last day for summer season hours, but you can still stop by! For more info https://parks.ny.gov/visit/historic-sites/john-brown-farm-state-historic-site

10/28/2026

New Bark Ranger Bailey visited today with Lori. Though the barn first floor is still closed for a few days, the Historic House remains open through October 31, and Bailey and Lori enjoyed the barn 2nd floor exhibit.

10/18/2026

Here are some history hikers from our September hike! Next History Hike: November 13, 1pm -- Lyman Eppes and the 'Timbucto' project: Following an old camp road, we'll talk about Lyman Eppes' land grant and his family's life in North Elba. Get in touch if you want to come!

10/16/2026

John Brown’s Raid on the arsenal in Harper’s Ferry began October 16, 1859, 167 years ago tonight.

In 1859, abolitionist John Brown’s failed slave rebellion, “The Raid on Harpers Ferry,” shocked a nation teetering on the edge of civil war. Decried by many as a reckless act that only fueled secessionist arguments, it became a symbol of emancipation for many during and after the Civil War. For nearly two decades, Frederick Douglass concealed his true connection to the raid. In 1881, at a speech in Storer College, Harpers Ferry, he revealed that he had been invited to a secret meeting with Brown, who hoped to have Douglass join him on the raid and create a anti-slavery government to lead rebellions across the South. Although Douglass ultimately declined, he hid his meeting from most until public opinion on Brown had warmed.

Did he consider Brown’s death futile? Douglass refutes this in the closing paragraphs of his speech. “Did John Brown draw his sword against slavery and thereby lose his life in vain? And to this I answer ten thousand times, No! No man fails, or can fail who so grandly gives himself and all he has to a righteous cause. No man, who in his hour of extremest need, when on his way to meet an ignominious death, could so forget himself as to stop and kiss a little child, one of the hated race for whom he was about to die, could by any possibility fail.”

Image Credit: National Archives

10/15/2026

The Historic Site is open, but our barn first floor exhibit is temporarily closed. You can see an updated edition of the video normally available by following this link!

Revolutionary Spirit highlights the life of John Brown, one of Amer...

10/13/2026

Two new Bark Rangers, Indie from Jay, NY & Angus from Orange County, NY enjoyed an Autumn visit to John Brown Farm

10/09/2026

John Brown Farm Hosting Art Exhibit on History of Voting Rights
Exhibit Premiere Part of NYS Path Through History Weekend

(North Elba, NY) – John Brown Farm State Historic Site will host an exhibit on voting rights beginning Friday, October 9, 2026 and running through Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – Election Day. The outdoor exhibit premieres as part of the Path Through History Weekend which takes place October 10-12. “The Right to Vote: Spiraling Around the Promise” by artist Ren Davidson Seward is a compilation of the 250-year struggle to expand and retract voting rights in America.

10/03/2026

Autumn at John Brown Farm

09/27/2026

Sunday, September 27–For the National ‘We Want More History Day’ JohnBrown250.org will host a special virtual roundtable tonight at 7 pm eastern. Link in comments to register (Free) A-Mouldering No More: John Brown at America 250.

09/24/2026

For the national We Want More History weekend, John Brown Lives! invites you to visit the outdoor Robert Shetterly portraits at John Brown Farm

Address

115 John Brown Road
Lake Placid, NY
12946

Website

https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/johnbrownfarm/details.aspx

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