The final sesquicentennial remembrance of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry will focus on the trials of two conspirators.

Albert Hazlet and Aaron Stevens were convicted of treason and hanged in Charles Town in December 1860, just as Brown had been one year earlier.

Tuesday's event is on the steps of the courthouse where the trials where held.

After a talk about the trials, historians will lead a procession to the execution site, where wreaths will be laid.

Brown's crusade to end slavery culminated in his ill-fated raid on a Union arsenal in October 1859.

His plan to seize thousands of weapons, arm a guerrilla force and start a revolution was crushed within 48 hours, leaving 15 dead.

The event is now seen as an opening salvo in the Civil War.

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