John Brown Farm Holiday House Tour in Lake Placid

Visit the historic farm where abolitionist John Brown lived in the Adirondacks for a special tour of his home decorated for Christmas.

The John Brown Farm in Lake Placid in New York State's Adirondack Mountains is the home and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown. Closed for the season, John Brown’s home will be open for special evening tours with lights and decorations depicting holiday traditions from the 1850s. Tours will take place from 4 pm to 9 pm. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the park office at 518-527-0191.

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 in North Elba, New York.

On 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 enslaved people in the South. Brown was arrested just two days later, imprisoned at Charlestown, Virginia, tried by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and hanged on December 2, 1859.

Brown’s 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.

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