John Brown Farm State Historic Site
115 John Brown Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
- General Information: (518) 523-3900
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
- Tours/Special Events/Programs: 5/2 - 10/31 - Weekdays and Sat/Sun: 10 am - 5 pm. Closed Tuesdays. Contact Historic Site Office for information.
- May thru Oct. Open 10 AM to 5PM Weekdays and Saturday and Sunday
Closed on Tuesday
Grounds open all year
Also open Independence Day.
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.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Hiking
- Picnic Area
- Re-enactments
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
- Tours
- Documents