History is a Dialog, Not a Series of Events

Our history can “speak” and send messages that we still follow today. Here are some anti-slavery events that we will never forget.

The Underground Railroad

This railroad was an escape plan and aid for fugitive slaves to escape to the free states. Most of the underground railroad occurred in Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky. After escaping, many slaves headed west either to Indiana and Iowa or they headed north to Pennsylvania and Canada. A famous leader during this time was Harriet Tubman, who helped over 300 slaves to freedom.

The Wilmot Proviso

The Wilmot Provsio of 1845 was a bill proposed to prohibit slavery in the territory acquired by the U.S at the end of the Mexican War. The Wilmot Proviso created a divide between the north and the south about the law of slavery.

Nate Turner Rebellion

Nate Turner was a slave who had been beaten, underpaid, and overworked. He decided to start a revolt in which dozens of slaves were eventually murdered and it became known as one of the most deadly slave revolts. As well, many southern communities feared their slaves because they had shown no mercy.

Harpers Ferry - John Brown's Raid

On October 16, 1859, John Brown led a group of his supports into Harper's Ferry to capture high ranking citizens and take control of the armory. He had hoped slaves would join his rebellion and spread the weapons to other slaves. However, the raid was brought to an end when U.S. Marines Colonel Robert E. Lee found Brown's house of refuge and captured him. Brown was eventually sentenced to death because of these crimes.