Lessons
John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry and John Brown's Body (Song)
Author: Heather Coffey
School: Mill Run Elementary
Grade Level: 4th
Time Estimated: 2 days (60 minute periods)
Overview
Students will read and analyze three letters or newspaper articles in groups of 4-5. They will be looking for meaning, opinions, and how the letters/speeches affected Americans in 1859. They will present their findings to the class in order to form more "knowledgeable" opinion of John Brown's raid. Students will then examine three different portraits of John Brown, and choose one of the portraits that they view was the best representation of him in 1859, and will write a letter to an 1859 newspaper encouraging them to print that particular photo to go along with John Brown’s obituary.
Students will listen to the song "John Brown's Body" by William W. Patton and will use the lyrics to analyze the feelings of Northerners towards John Brown shortly after his raid on Harpers Ferry.
Related lesson: Northern and Southern Differences in 1856