Q 01/05

Which future Confederate general led the U.S. Marines who stormed John Brown's stronghold at Harpers Ferry?

A) Joseph E. Johnston

B) Robert E. Lee

C) P. G. T. Beauregard

D) Braxton Bragg

Answer · why

B) Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee was home on leave just across the Potomac when the order came. With no uniform to hand, he directed the assault on Brown in civilian clo...

Q 02/05

Which stage actor wore a borrowed militia uniform to watch the abolitionist Brown go to the gallows in 1859?

A) Junius Brutus Booth

B) Edwin Forrest

C) Joseph Jefferson

D) John Wilkes Booth

Answer · why

D) John Wilkes Booth

John Wilkes Booth left rehearsals in Richmond and slipped in with a militia company sent to guard the gallows. Six years later he shot Abraham Lincoln...

Q 03/05

Julia Ward Howe wrote which Civil War anthem to the tune of John Brown's Body?

A) Battle Hymn of the Republic

B) The Battle Cry of Freedom

C) When Johnny Comes Marching Home

D) Tenting on the Old Camp Ground

Answer · why

A) Battle Hymn of the Republic

Battle Hymn of the Republic came about when a friend urged Howe to write new words for the tune the troops were singing. The Atlantic Monthly printed ...

Q 04/05

Which Underground Railroad conductor did John Brown address as General and hope to recruit for his Harpers Ferry raid?

A) Sojourner Truth

B) William Still

C) Harriet Tubman

D) Thomas Garrett

Answer · why

C) Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman helped Brown find recruits and raise money. She fell ill in the weeks before the raid and took no part in the attack itself.

Q 05/05

The father of which future president worked at the Ohio tannery run by John Brown's father?

A) Ulysses S. Grant

B) Rutherford B. Hayes

C) James A. Garfield

D) William McKinley

Answer · why

A) Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant's father, Jesse, lived with the Brown family for some years while he worked there. His son went on to command the Union armies in the...