On February 2, 1862, Congress took a significant step toward ending slavery in the United States by abolishing it in the District of Columbia. This decision marked a crucial moment in the fight for freedom, paving the way for the nationwide abolition of slavery.
The push to end slavery in Washington, D.C., gained momentum during the Civil War. Abolitionist and Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner famously challenged President Abraham Lincoln, pointing out that, as head of the federal government, he was technically the largest slaveholder in the country. Sumner was referring to the U.S. Constitution, which granted Congress exclusive legislative authority over the federal district.
That same year, Senator Henry Wilson of Massachusetts introduced a bill to abolish slavery in Washington, D.C. Despite resistance from pro-slavery factions, the bill successfully passed through Congress. The Senate approved it on April 3, 1862, with a vote of 29 to 14, followed by the House of Representatives on April 12, 1862. President Lincoln signed the bill into law on April 16, 1862.
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Officially titled “An Act for the Release of Certain Persons Held to Service or Labor in the District of Columbia,” the legislation freed approximately 3,100 enslaved individuals in the nation’s capital. It also provided compensation to former slaveowners, offering them up to $300 per enslaved person. Additionally, newly freed African Americans were given the option to receive up to $100 if they chose to emigrate to another country.
The abolition of slavery in D.C. was a powerful precursor to the Emancipation Proclamation, which Lincoln issued less than a year later on January 1, 1863. It demonstrated that change was not only possible but imminent.
As we honor Black History Month, let us remember the courageous efforts that led to this historic moment and reflect on the ongoing journey toward justice and equality.