TODAY IN BLACK HISTORY #BHM: CONGRESS ABOLISHED SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IN 1862

February 2, 1862 Congress abolished slavery in the District of Columbia, an important step on the road to freedom for all Black Americans




1862 was a pivotal year toward ending slavery in America. The bill, S. 108, was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia which reported it with amendments in February 1862. During the Civil War Charles Sumner, the senior senator from Massachusetts informed President Lincoln that he was the largest slaveholder. The abolitionist asked President Lincoln:

Do you know who is at this moment the largest slaveholder in the United States....holds