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Slaves Arrive in America
The first slaves arrive in the American Colony of Jamestown, brought in by the Dutch to replace indentured servants. This marked the beginning of slavery in the nation. -
Slavery Made Illegal in Northwest Territory
The Northwest Ordinance, officially titled "An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory North West of the River Ohio," is passed. However, the U.S. Constitution states that Congress may not ban the slave trade until 1808. -
Fugitive Slave Law
A federal fugitive slave law is passed, calling for the return of slaves who escaped into free states back into their slave states. -
Cotton Gin Invented
Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793, greatly increasing the demand for slave labor. Whitney applied for a patent on the cotton gin on October 28,1793. It was granted on March 14, 1794, but it was not validated until 1807. -
Prosser's Revolt
Gabriel Prosser, a slave, organizes a rebellion to march on Richmond, Virginia. However, his plan was uncovered, and he and his followers were hanged. -
Slave Importation Banned
On this date, Congress proposed a law to ban the importation of slaves into the Untied States. However, it was not official passed until 1808. -
Missouri Compromise
On this day in history, the Missouri Compromise was passed. It banned slavery in states that were north of the southern border of the state of Missouri. -
Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery in 1849; she became one of the most effective and celebrated leaders of the Underground Railroad. -
Civil War Starts
The Civil War begins in the Untited States, as the South secedes from the Union, forming the Conferderacy. -
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Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring "that all persons held as slaves" in the Confederate states "are, and henceforth shall be free." -
Civil War Ends
The Civil War finally ends in the United States, as the Union defeats the Confederacy. -
Slavery Ends
Slavery finally ends on this date when the last slaves in Texas receive the news that the Civil War ended two months earlier. This date is now celebrated on a holiday known as "Juneteenth."
