The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
The Senate passed it in April 1864, and after a long debate the House approved it on January 31, 1865, as spectators in the gallery celebrated.
Ratification
The amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865, months after the war ended and after President Lincoln’s death.
Ohio Connection
Ohio ratified the 13th Amendment in February 1865, among the early states to do so.
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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