Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
[typewriter sound]
Girl 1: The year 1860 was a time of change for America.
Tensions between the north and south were growing
and the upcoming election promised
to change the course of history.
The nation was still reeling from John Brown's raid the
year before, but for the citizens
of Harpers Ferry life went on.
Still, for them, change was unavoidable.
[violin]
Boy 1: 22nd of February, 1860.
February 16, 1860, Sentencing.
Judge: Aaron D. Stevens, you have been indicted
and tried by the jury of the country.
You have been found guilty of advising and conspiring
with slaves to rebel and make insurrection
and conspiring with John Brown
and others to make insurrection.
And you, Albert Hazlett, you been found guilty of ***
in the first degree and deliberately killing and
murdering George Turner and others.
[violin]
Boy 2: The 1st of March, 1860.
Washington's Birthday.
Girl 2: At Harpers Ferry, the day was celebrated
with unusual enthusiasm.
The ball at the Wager House was well attended.
[violin]
Boy 3: March 8, 1860.
The cost of the Harpers Ferry affair.
It has been reported that the John Brown affair cost
the State of Virginia $185, 567.
Of that, $81, 140 alone was paid to the military.
[violin]
Girl 2: March 15, 1860.
Jefferson Guards.
The legislature has passed a bill appropriating $1000 for
uniforms for the Jefferson Guards.
Comrades, I am proud to say we finally got some new uniforms.
Jack.
Daniel.
Joseph.
[music]
Girl 3: March 22, 1860.
Ladies' Fair.
The object of the fair is to organize and equip the
volunteer force, which Charles Town and vicinity can raise.
The women have concluded to lend their approval by a
hearty effort towards organizing,
disciplining, and uniforming soldiers of the neighborhood.
Come then, one and all, stand by the daughters of Virginia.
Thank you for supporting the militia.
[violin]
Boy 4: 5th of April, 1860.
House of Representatives.
Armory Appropriation Bill.
The committee has reported the sum $250,000
for the armories instead of the usual amount of $400,000.
From the Master Armorer at Harpers Ferry -
Dear Sir: I find this sum only sufficient to operate
this armory seven months.
This bill, if passed, will be as effectively complete
and drive from the place at least one half of our best
citizens who are only sustained
by a hope of the future.
Hey guys, stop working.
We had to cut back on some employees
and we're letting you guys go.
I'm sorry.
Girl 2: The year of change had come.
As 1860 passed by, Harpers Ferry dealt with the
financial effects of John Brown's raid.
Fear of more slave uprisings led
to slave patrols in the streets.
As tension between the north and south grew,
militia units were built up and fairs
and balls to support them held.
And when Congress failed to give the armory enough
money, many citizens lost their jobs.
The presidential election grew nearer and like the
rest of the country, Harpers Ferry residents wondered
what 1861 would bring.