Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

John Brown Farm State Historic Site

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Address
115 John Brown Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
Latitude 44.254173
Longitude -73.972023


High in New York State's Adirondack Mountains 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.

Brown's final prophesy--"I, John Brown, am quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood. I had, as I now think, vainly flattered myself that without very much bloodshed it might be done,"--was soon to be realized in the Civil War.

Hours of Operation

  • November through April: 
    Visitor Center/Barn Exhibits Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-3pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
    Grounds open daily, dawn to dusk.
    House tours by appointment, please call park office.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Admission
  • Admission to the historic house is free.
    $75.00 fee for tour buses.

Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Sat 14 Dec
Winter Moon-walk Series
Saturday, December 14, 2024 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
(518) 806-9719

Full moon hikes will be offered on these dates. We will meet at the parking area at the north field, as you enter the park. In the event of extremely cold or stormy weather, the event will be postponed. Please contact the Historic Interpreter at 518-806-9719 to register for these hikes, and to confirm the date which it will take place.
Registration: Required
Thu 19 Dec
Holiday Evening Tours
Thursday, December 19, 2024 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
Come learn about holiday traditions during the 1850s, and tour the Historic House. We'll chat about how the Brown Family celebrated Christmas.
Fri 20 Dec
Holiday Evening Tours
Friday, December 20, 2024 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
Come learn about holiday traditions during the 1850s, and tour the Historic House. We'll chat about how the Brown Family celebrated Christmas.
Sat 21 Dec
Holiday Evening Tours
Saturday, December 21, 2024 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
Come learn about holiday traditions during the 1850s, and tour the Historic House. We'll chat about how the Brown Family celebrated Christmas.
Sun 22 Dec
Holiday Evening Tours
Sunday, December 22, 2024 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
Come learn about holiday traditions during the 1850s, and tour the Historic House. We'll chat about how the Brown Family celebrated Christmas.

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area
  • Re-enactments
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Tours