Abolitionist’s Historic Gravesite in Altadena Named L.A. County Landmark

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to designate the gravesite of Owen Brown, a prominent abolitionist and the last survivor of John Brown’s Harpers Ferry raid, as a County Historical Landmark.

The designation represents a significant step in preserving a unique piece of American history in Altadena, following a nearly year-long process that included public hearings and administrative work by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning. 

“Honoring Owen Brown’s gravesite as a Los Angeles County historical landmark is a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to justice and equality,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “His fight against slavery and unwavering commitment to treating all human beings with dignity and respect reflects his courage and vision. I am proud that we will add his gravesite to our County’s registry of landmarks today. This will help preserve his memory so that future generations can pay homage to his life’s work.” 

The historic site, located on a hilltop at the northern end of El Prieto Road, is marked by a commemorative rustic slab of stone and additional smaller stones placed to mark the presumed outline of Brown’s body. The landmark designation process began in February 2024, when Supervisor Barger introduced a motion to formally nominate the gravesite. 

The initiative emerged from grassroots efforts by local organizations including Altadena Heritage and the Altadena Town Council. 

“I want to recognize and celebrate the bottom-up, community-driven approach that drove today’s landmark designation,” Supervisor Barger said. “Altadena residents have a deep appreciation for the history of their community. Their efforts go beyond preserving a part of Altadena’s story—they are safeguarding a unique piece of American history.” 

Born in Hudson, Ohio in 1824, Owen Brown was one of 20 children from his father’s (abolitionist John Brown) first family. As the last survivor of John Brown’s historic raid on Harpers Ferry, his death in Altadena on January 8, 1889, marked the end of an era. When his funeral was held two days later, a local newspaper reported,”It was a historic day in Pasadena.”