19th century Archives - The Black History Room

Civil Rights & Activism

Frederick Douglass c. 1818–1895

He posed for more photos than Lincoln. On purpose.

Civil Rights & Activism

In 1828, a formerly enslaved mother sued a white man in a New York court. And she won.

Military

In 1862, an enslaved man stole a Confederate warship, and sailed his family to freedom.

Sports

World's fastest cyclist, banned for being Black.

Civil Rights & Activism

She bit a conductor to keep her seat. More than 70 years before Rosa Parks.

Politics & Government

Mississippi sent America's first Black senator. In 1870.

Slavery & Emancipation

In 1849, an enslaved man mailed himself to freedom.

Military

In 1863, a woman led a military raid that freed more than 700 enslaved people in one night.

Slavery & Emancipation

In 1848, an enslaved woman escaped disguised as a white slave owner, and her husband played her slave.