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John Brown Farm State Historic Site

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Address
115 John Brown Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
  Saratoga/Capital District Region
Latitude 44.254173
Longitude -73.972023
  Directions


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.

Wed 01 Jan
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
Two hikes depending on the weather. One inner trail and a second longer hike of the outer loop trail. Meet-up Location: Traffic Circle near the historic house, Approximate distance of hike: 2 miles, Leashed pets welcome.
Mon 13 Jan
Winter Moon-walk Series
Monday, January 13, 2025 07:00 PM - 09:00 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
Wed 12 Feb
Winter Moon-walk Series
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 07:00 PM - 09:00 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 13 Mar
Winter Moon-walk Series
Thursday, March 13, 2025 07:00 PM - 09:00 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 cancelled. 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

Amenities Information

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

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