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
- May through October:
Open six days 10am-5pm, Closed
Tuesday
House Tours offered on the hour,
10am-4pm
Grounds open daily, dawn to dusk
November through April:
Visitor Center/Barn Exhibits Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-3pm
(Closed Sunday and Monday)
Grounds open daily, dawn to dusk.
House tours by appointment, please call park office.
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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.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
First Day of the Month Hike
Thursday, May 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
(518) 806-9719
Join John Brown Farm for a series of guided winter hikes on the first day of the month from February till May. The free hikes are sponsored by the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and will be guided by Cheryl Craft, a historic interpreter for John Brown Farm. The program will focus mainly on getting outdoors and enjoying a small group hiking experience. There will be opportunities to share local history along the way. All hikes will start at 10am and will require advance registration.
If there is enough interest, the first hike on May 1 will be spring hike to John Thomas Brook in Vermontville
The planned hikes are variable in length and difficulty, though none require any special technical skills. They will require winter gear such as trekking poles, and possibly snowshoes or traction devices depending on trail conditions. Participants will need their own gear.
Register for hikes by texting or calling the guide at 518-806-9719, preferably in advance, but at least 24 hours before the scheduled hike. You may also search for Events on our Facebook page for additional details.
Registration: Required
I Love My Park Day
Saturday, May 3, 2025 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
(518) 523-3900
Come help with an outdoor spring clean-up: volunteers will
help with gardening projects. Come help as you are able! Pizza provided for our
helpers. Call 518-523-3900 to register
Registration: Required
John Brown Day
Saturday, May 10, 2025 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
Our friends group, John Brown Lives! will conduct their
annual Spirit of Freedom Awards honoring three individuals who have made
significant contributions to civil rights and environmental justice. The free
ceremony at John Brown Farm will include awards and music under our big tent. A
5pm reception ($) follows at the Olympic Jumping Complex. For details, email info@ohnbrownlives.org
Black Birders Event
Saturday, May 31, 2025
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
Free and no prior birding experience required. Explore John Brown Farm, hear from Black birding experts,
experience history, connect with nature, and build community while bird
watching.
Registration encouraged, not required. Find more details and
register through
nnya.org by navigating to their GABC page
Sponsored by the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, Northern
New York Audubon (NNYA), John Brown Lives!, and the office of NYS Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Registration: Required
Path Through History Weekend/Hike of the Month
Saturday, June 14, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site
(518) 806-9719
Heaven Hill Walk. Come join us on a free Hike through
History, a 1.4-mile walking tour on neighboring Heaven Hill and learn about its
connections to John Brown and other local history (Easy) We will meet at the
traffic circle at John Brown Farm at 1pm and drive to Heaven Hill Trails area
on Bear Cub Lane. Registration requested, call or text 518-806-9719
Registration: Required
