Renowned Abolitionist’s Gravesite in Altadena Nominated for L.A. County Historical Landmark Status

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion aiming to bestow Los Angeles County Historical Landmark status upon the gravesite of renowned abolitionist Owen Brown.

Situated atop a hill at the northern terminus of El Prieto Road in Altadena near La Cañada Flintridge, a commemorative rustic stone, along with additional markers outlining Owen Brown’s final resting place, currently adorn the site.

“It is a great honor to nominate Owen Brown’s gravesite as a historical landmark,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who proposed the motion, said. “His fight against slavery and unwavering commitment to treating all human beings with dignity, respect, and equality reflects his courage and vision. Preserving his gravesite will help future generations pay homage to his memory.”

Owen Brown was born in 1824, in Hudson, Ohio, one of 20 children of abolitionist John Brown. Owen joined John Brown’s historic raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859 and had to flee Virginia after his father was hanged for inciting a violent rejection of slavery. He settled in Pasadena and died in 1889 at age 64, the last survivor of the Harper’s Ferry raiders.

Owen Brown’s funeral was attended by up to 2,000 mourners. His gravesite, on an area facing Brown’s Peak, named after his father, was marked by a concrete headstone and became a pilgrimage site for thousands.

Acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the Altadena community, Supervisor Barger thanked the local Owen Brown Committee and lauded their advocacy for the historic landmark designation. Michele Zack, a local Altadena resident and committee member, offered public testimony during the Board of Supervisors session.

“It’s a long time coming,” Zack said. “Altadena Heritage first nominated the site in 1989, but it was turned down. We have kept alive efforts to honor this sacred site – a memorial to those who fought to end slavery in America – for over 35 years.”