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Frederick Douglass

American abolitionist and orator

Frederick Douglass was a prominent American social reformer and statesman who led the movement for African-American civil rights in the 19th century. He escaped slavery, became a renowned abolitionist, writer, and orator, and advocated for the rights of freed slaves. Douglass also supported women's suffrage and made history as the first African American nominated for vice president of the United States.

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Timeline

Frederick Douglass's Birth

Frederick Douglass, an African-American social reformer, abolitionist, and writer, was born in 1818.

Frederick Douglass is Born

Frederick Douglass is born as a slave at Holme Hill Farm.

Sent to Lloyd Plantation

Frederick Douglass was sent to live on Lloyd Plantation, Wye River, at the home of his master, Aaron Anthony, in August 1824.

Last visit from mother before her death

On February 14, 1825, Frederick's mother visited him for the last time before her death late in 1825 or early in 1826.

Aunt Jenny and Uncle Noah escape to freedom

On August 27, 1825, Aunt Jenny and Uncle Noah escaped to freedom, providing the first intimation to Frederick that escape was possible.

Escape plot foiled; jailed in Easton

In April 1836, Frederick Douglass and other plotters are arrested and jailed in Easton after their escape plot is discovered and foiled.

Escapes north by train and boat

On September 3, 1838, Frederick Douglass successfully escapes to the north using a combination of train and boat.

Marries Anna Murray in New York City

On September 15, 1838, Frederick Douglass marries Anna Murray in New York City.

Frederick Douglass gives speeches in Brooklyn

In 1841, Frederick Douglass, at the age of 23, delivered one of his first speeches at the meeting of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society in Nantucket, Massachusetts. He later settled in Rochester, New York, and gave multiple speeches in Brooklyn at various locations between 1859 and 1893, expressing his views on Reconstruction policies and criticizing President Andrew Johnson.

Speaks at Nantucket Convention

Frederick Douglass speaks before large, chiefly white audiences at the Nantucket convention, rousing great enthusiasm, and is hired as a lecturer by the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society for a three-month trial period.

Frederick Douglass marries Anna Murray Douglass

Frederick Douglass married Anna Murray Douglass on January 1, 1843.

Attack at Pendleton, Indiana

On September 16, 1843, Frederick Douglass is attacked by a pro-slavery mob at Pendleton, Indiana, but continues his lecture tour despite a broken right hand.

Publication of 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass'

On January 1, 1845, the first narrative of Frederick Douglass was published under the title 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass'. This book is widely recognized as one of the most important works by Douglass, detailing his personal struggle with slavery.

Publication of 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave'

On May 28, 1845, 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave' is published, revealing his identity and presenting a stark picture of his early life in Talbot County slavery.

Leaves the United States for England

In August 1845, Frederick Douglass left the United States for England to avoid being captured and sent back to slavery. He also aimed to promote the anti-slavery cause in the British Isles.

Threatened by pro-slavery Cambria passengers

On August 27, 1845, Frederick Douglass faced threats from pro-slavery Cambria passengers who intended to throw him overboard when he tried to deliver an abolitionist speech.

Travels to Dublin, Ireland for speaking tour

By August 31, 1845, Frederick Douglass had traveled to Dublin, Ireland, where he commenced a three-month speaking tour at various cities, addressing large and enthusiastic anti-slavery and temperance audiences.

Thomas Auld Sells Rights to Frederick Douglass

Thomas Auld sells the rights to Frederick Douglass to his brother Hugh for $100. Later, abolitionist press claims that Hugh has vowed to seek vengeance by selling Frederick south at any cost.

Hugh Auld Agrees to Sell Frederick's Manumission

Hugh Auld agrees to sell Frederick Douglass's manumission for 150 pounds sterling, which is equivalent to $711.66 in American currency, raised by British admirers.

Becomes Free Man with Manumission Papers

Frederick Douglass becomes a free man when his manumission papers are filed in the Baltimore County court.

First Issue of The North Star Published

The first issue of The North Star, a newspaper published by Frederick Douglass, is released in Rochester, New York. This marks the beginning of his influential work in the abolitionist movement.

Attends First Women's Rights Convention

Frederick Douglass attends the first Women's Rights Convention at Seneca Falls, New York, which sparks his lifelong dedication to advocating for women's voting rights.

Addresses Letter to Former Master

Frederick Douglass writes a letter to his former master, Thomas Auld, accusing him of abandoning his grandmother Betsey Bailey in her old age. The letter is published in The North Star.

Breaks with Garrison

Frederick Douglass openly breaks with Garrison over the issue of political action to end slavery, which Garrison opposes. Henceforth, the two become bitter enemies.

Speech 'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?'

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass delivers his famous speech 'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?' at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York.

Meets John Brown and Learns of Harpers Ferry Plan

Frederick Douglass meets John Brown secretly at a stone quarry near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where he learns of Brown's plan to attack Harpers Ferry. Douglass refuses to join Brown's forces.

Attends radical abolition national convention at Syracuse

Frederick Douglass attends a radical abolition national convention at Syracuse and is chosen as one of two presidential electors-at-large, marking the first time a Negro is nominated for such a post.

Returns to Maryland for first visit in twenty-six years

After twenty-six years, Frederick Douglass returns to Maryland, delivering six lectures in Baltimore and reuniting with his sister Eliza, whom he has not seen for thirty years.

Breaks with Feminist Leaders

Frederick Douglass breaks with feminist leaders when they refuse to support ratification of Fifteenth Amendment unless it includes right to vote for all women as well as black men.

Frederick Douglass Nominated for Vice President

Frederick Douglass became the second African American to be nominated for the position of Vice President, marking a significant milestone in the history of African American political representation.

Senate confirms appointment as United States Marshal

The Senate confirmed Frederick Douglass's appointment by President Hayes as the United States Marshal for the District of Columbia on March 18, 1877.

Death of Anna Douglass

Anna, the wife of Frederick Douglass for nearly forty-four years, passes away.

Dedication to Struggle for Negro Freedom

Frederick Douglass dedicated the remainder of his life to the struggle for full Negro freedom at a surprise birthday party given to him by the Bethel Literary Society in Washington, D.C. on his seventy-first birthday.

Appointment as Minister to Haiti

Frederick Douglass was appointed as Minister Resident and Consul General to Haiti by President Benjamin Harrison.

Death of Son Frederick, Jr.

Frederick Douglass experiences the tragic loss of his son, Frederick, Jr., who passes away on July 26, 1892.

Delivery of 'Lessons of the Hour' Address

Frederick Douglass delivers his last great address, 'Lessons of the Hour,' which is a powerful expression of his old-time fury against lynch law in the South.

Attendance at National Council of Women and Death

Frederick Douglass attends morning sessions of the National Council of Women in Washington, D.C. and passes away at Cedar Hill in the evening.

Family Funeral Services at Cedar Hill

On February 25, 1895, family funeral services for Frederick Douglass were held at 'Cedar Hill' with his body lying in state at the Metropolitan African Methodist Church in Washington.

Funeral Services and Burial

On February 26, 1895, Frederick Douglass's body lay in state at Rochester City Hall, and funeral services were held in Rochester Central Presbyterian Church. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester.

Monumental Success for Frederick Douglass

In 1898, Frederick Douglass received the first monument ever given to a black man, located in Rochester.

Restoration of Frederick Douglass Home by Mary Talbert

Mary Talbert, while serving as president of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Association, was responsible for the restoration of the Frederick Douglass Home in Anacostia, Maryland in 1910. This restoration was a significant effort to preserve the historical and cultural significance of the home of Frederick Douglass.

End of the Timeline
Frederick Douglass

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