The Jefferson Guards

Organized: May 1, 1858; the first militia unit formed in Jefferson County since the Mexican War.

Commander: Captain John W. Rowan, a veteran of the Mexican War.

Namesake: Jefferson County, VA; formed in 1901 and named after Thomas Jefferson.

Home: Charles Town, VA

Role in John Brown Raid:

The only militia unit in Jefferson County to take an active role in the entrapment of Brown. By 10am on the morning of October 17 (9 hours after Browns arrival in Harpers Ferry), the Guards were armed and enroute to Harpers Ferry with 100 men. They arrived at Camp Hill at 11:30am (just above the lower town), and were ordered to cross the Potomac one mile above Harpers Ferry, march down river on the Maryland side, and take possession of the Potomac River Railroad Bridge. The Guards faced no opposition in seizing the bridge, and effectually cut off browns escape route into Maryland.

Following the capture of the bridge, the Guards gained possession of the ground around the armory wall near the Engine House, and remained here until relieved on account of fatigue when fresh troops arrived on the 18th.

None of the Jefferson Guards were injured in the raid.

The Guards remained on duty as regular soldiers from October 17, 1859 through April 1, 1860, when they finally were discharged from the service of the state. During this time, the Guards helped guarantee that Brown and his companions (a total of 5 prisoners) did not escape. The Guards also witnessed the hanging of each of the captives following their trials.

During their duty as protectors of Charles Town, the Guards wore out their uniforms. In a bill introduced to the Virginia Senate by Thomas Isbell in March 1860, it was requested that the State of Virginia replace the uniforms at the State's expense. The bill was approved and the new uniforms (made in Charles Town) were first received near the end of September, 1860.

The new uniform was described by the Virginia Free Press, a Charles Town newspaper, as "one of the handsomest of the day."

Favorite Toast: "May they perpetuate the virtues and patriotism of the illustrious name they bear."