Frederick Douglass escaped slavery in Maryland in 1838 and became one of the most powerful abolitionist speakers and writers in America.
His autobiography, published in 1845, exposed the cruelty of slavery to readers in the United States and Europe.
During the War
Douglass urged Lincoln to make emancipation a goal of the war and recruited Black soldiers for the Union, including two of his sons who joined the 54th Massachusetts.
Legacy
After the war he served as U.S. marshal for the District of Columbia and as minister to Haiti, continuing to fight for equal rights.
Explore More
Ohio is full of Civil War history. Visit the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, the Sherman House Museum in Lancaster, Grant’s birthplace in Point Pleasant, and Morgan’s Raid markers across southern and eastern Ohio. County historical societies often hold letters, photos, and flags from local regiments, so check with yours too.
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