From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Battle took place in 1859
The so-called
Battle of the Spurs
took place about 7 miles (11 km) north of
Holton, Kansas
, near
Netawaka, Kansas
, on January 31, 1859. Abolitionist
John Brown
, together with
J. H. Kagi
and
Aaron Dwight Stevens
, was escorting a group of 11 escaped slaves from the slave state of Missouri to freedom in Iowa. At Straight Creek they faced a posse of
U.S. marshals
and others, who hoped to earn the $3,000 reward posted for Brown's capture. Brown, who "inspired terror in his enemies",
[1]
faced a posse of 45 while his party only consisted of 21, including women and children. Brown led his party straight ahead, and the posse turned and ran in panic. Not a shot was fired nor a rifle raised.
[2]
"
Free-Staters
labeled the confrontation the 'Battle of the Spurs,' in mocking reference to the proslavery posse fleeing on horseback."
[1]
There is a historical marker.
[3]
See also
[
edit
]
References
[
edit
]