Information Panel: For the deposit of arms

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The small Arsenal building that stood here from 1806-1861 was one of two warehouses for the
nearby United States Armory. A Harpers Ferry visitor in 1821 described both buildings as "arsenals for the deposit of arms manufactured, consisting of rifle, muskets and some pistols which are handsomely arranged and make a fine show."
In 1859 abolitionist John Brown attacked Harpers Ferry hoping to inspire a revolt against slavery. Brown wanted the arsenal's weapons to arm recruits. Brown's raid came to a blood end, but his actions helped propel the nation into the Civil War. When fighting broke out in 1861, retreating U.S. troops burned both federal arsenal buildings to keep the weapons from falling into Confederate hands.
Photo Caption: The large and small arsenal buildings stored thousands of muskets and rifles like those shown below. When the arsenals burned in April 1861 nearly 15,000 arms were destroyed. Percussion Musket Model 1842. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Rifle.
Illustration Caption: Weapons made at the United States Armory were stored down the street in the arsenals.
Photo Caption: During the 1859 attack, raiders Jeremiah Anderson and Albert Hazlett captured and held the arsenal buildings while just yards away Brown fought from inside the Fire Engine House.