I meant to mention this yesterday, but I was swamped with moving stuff.

Wednesday was the 150th anniversary of the hanging of white abolitionist John Brown (he of John Brown's raid fame).

I love history, especially United States history, because of two simple reasons: everything's a matter of perspective, and everything's interconnected.

Was John Brown a martyr? A hero? A terrorist?

I guess that depends on what side of the Mason/Dixon line you lived in 1859.

One this is for sure, he was a prophet. His last writing would certainly come true: “I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.”

And blood there would be.

So did Brown start the American Civil War? Technically no. But his actions polarized the country even more. They also inadvertently helped the soon-to-be Confederate States; after the raid the Southern militias grew in strength and organization, and became a ready made army when the war began.

Yep, I love history.