Mary Brown & Red Bluff Part 2

Continued from Part 1


After her husband, John Brown, was hanged for treason in 1859, Mary Brown and her family lived in poverty. In 1860, however, the Browns received financial help - from abolitionist societies, the Republic of Haiti, and royalties from a book about John Brown. Their fortunes had definitely improved!

In 1863, one of Mary’s daughters returned from a trip west with stories of California. Tired of harsh winters, Mrs. Brown and some family members packed up and headed west. After a stop for winter, they moved on in 1864.

Joining various wagon trains making their way across country, they often faced persecution when fellow travelers discovered their relationship to John Brown. Most of their prized sheep were poisoned because of this. Though the Civil War was winding down, emotions still ran high about slavery and abolitionists.

Danger came from many sources. Indian attacks were frequent. At one point, rebel deserters joined their wagon train. Learning about the Browns, they threatened to kill her son, Salmon Brown, and possibly the rest of the family. Fearing for their lives, the Browns escaped late at night, along with a few sympathetic families. Traveling as quickly as they dared, their wagons stayed only three hours ahead of their attackers! Finally, they eluded them.

After six grueling, arduous months, the Browns reached California. They entered the town of Red Bluff on September 30, 1864. Destitute, ragged and weary, they must have wondered what kind of reception they’d find.

Expecting the worst, they instead received a warm welcome. News of their travels had preceded them. An article in a local newspaper mentioned the shameful treatment the family had continually endured. The author urged the town’s citizens to welcome the Browns with kindness, putting aside any resentment or rancor because of their infamous relative.

The story of Mary Brown and the town of Red Bluff continues, with a multi-county fund-raising campaign, a notorious land baron with dreams of building an empire, and a lawsuit that threatened to abolish the town of Red Bluff! It’s a tale of struggle, triumph and mystery. So stay tuned for the next installment – you won’t be disappointed!