In commemoration of John Brown’s final trip to Lawrence and the state, lights will shine from the former Grover barn from now until Wednesday.

This week marks the 150 anniversary of the abolitionist’s last journey to Lawrence. He and his group of men brought 11 former slaves from Missouri. The freedom seekers and a baby that was born along the way were given shelter for several days in Emily and Joel Grover’s barn, which today stands at 2819 Stonebarn Terr.

After their stay at the Grover barn, the group continued by covered wagon traveling 1,500 miles in the dead of winter to Canada, where they would find freedom. Brown led the group.

To honor the Grovers and the 150th anniversary of Brown’s trip, the Underground Railroad Association of Douglas County with support from the city of Lawrence has placed lights in two windows of the Grover barn. During the days of slavery, a candle in the window signified a place of refuge for those traveling along the Underground Railroad.

The barn, owned by the city and once Fire Station No. 4, stands at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Stonebarn Terrace.