John Brown is cornered at Harpers Ferry and Robert E Lee's army rushes the armory doors. He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah.

John Brown is one of the most polarizing figures in American history. But it was an experience in his youth that seared an unyielding hatred of slavery into his soul.

"He is of imposing appearance . . . tall, with square shoulders . . . eyes of deep gray, and couchant, as if ready to spring at the least rustling. . . ." So John ...

In one fateful night, John Brown brought the country closer to Civil War (Video: Meredith Bragg). Read more at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/Day ...