Events with tag - Slavery

August 1619

First African Slaves Arrive in Colonial America

In August 1619, the Dutch warship White Lion arrived at Point Comfort, Virginia, carrying '20 and odd' Africans who were traded for food and supplies, marking the beginning of slavery in colonial America. This pivotal moment transformed the nation's history and established a system that would persist for 246 years.

January 1, 1830

Mississippi River Underground Railroad

The Mississippi River served as a crucial pathway in the Underground Railroad network from 1830 to 1863, marking the boundary between slave states and free territories. This waterway facilitated thousands of escape attempts through an intricate system of safe houses, crossing points, and brave conductors.

July 10, 1850

Millard Fillmore Becomes President

Millard Fillmore takes the oath of office as the 13th President of the United States in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol Building, following the unexpected death of President Zachary Taylor. This historic transition marked a crucial moment in American politics during a period of intense national debate over slavery.

December 1, 1850

Harriet Tubman's First Underground Railroad Mission

In December 1850, Harriet Tubman conducted her first Underground Railroad rescue mission, successfully freeing her niece Kessiah Bowley and her two children from slavery in Maryland. This mission marked the beginning of her legendary career as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

July 5, 1852

Frederick Douglass's Fourth of July Speech

Frederick Douglass delivered his powerful anti-slavery speech 'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July' at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. Speaking to 600 people, he challenged America's celebration of independence while maintaining slavery.

October 16, 1859

John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry

John Brown led 21 men in a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, attempting to spark a slave rebellion. The raid failed, leading to Brown's capture by U.S. Marines under Robert E. Lee and his subsequent execution on December 2, 1859.

November 6, 1860

Lincoln's Presidential Election Victory

Abraham Lincoln secured a historic victory in the 1860 presidential election, becoming the 16th President of the United States. Despite winning only 39.8% of the popular vote, he gained 180 electoral votes, defeating three other candidates in one of the most consequential elections in American history.

February 4, 1861

Confederate States Formation

Seven Southern states officially established the Confederate States of America, marking a pivotal moment that led to the American Civil War. The formation occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, with Jefferson Davis elected as president.

March 11, 1861

Confederate Constitution Adoption

The Confederate Constitution was officially adopted in Montgomery, Alabama, establishing the legal framework for the Confederate States of America. This pivotal document, created by delegates from seven Southern states, marked a significant moment in American history leading to the Civil War.

April 12, 1861

American Civil War Begins

The American Civil War officially begins when Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard launch an artillery bombardment against Union-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, marking the start of the bloodiest conflict in U.S. history.

April 12, 1861

American Civil War Begins

The American Civil War officially began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, marking the start of the deadliest conflict in U.S. history.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln's executive order that declared freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate states during the American Civil War, transforming the conflict into a fight for human freedom and enabling Black Americans to join the Union military forces.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate states to be free. This historic executive order transformed the Civil War into a fight for human freedom and laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a landmark executive order that declared all slaves in Confederate states to be free. This historic document transformed the Civil War from a conflict over states' rights to a fight for human freedom.

June 20, 1863

Formation of West Virginia

West Virginia became the 35th U.S. state on June 20, 1863, marking the only instance in American history where a state was created by separating from another during the Civil War. The split occurred due to fundamental differences in economy, culture, and stance on slavery between eastern and western Virginia.

June 20, 1863

West Virginia Becomes 35th U.S. State

West Virginia achieved statehood on June 20, 1863, becoming the only state formed by separating from another during the American Civil War. This historic split occurred when western Virginia counties remained loyal to the Union while Virginia voted to secede, leading to the creation of a new state through a series of conventions and legislative processes.

December 6, 1865

13th Amendment Ratification

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865, marking the formal abolition of slavery throughout the United States. This historic legislation, championed by President Abraham Lincoln, required intense political maneuvering and transformed the nation's social and legal landscape forever.

December 6, 1865

Thirteenth Amendment Ratification

The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially ratified, marking the formal abolition of slavery throughout the United States. This historic amendment passed after intense political negotiations and required approval from three-fourths of the states.