Abolitionist and anti-slavery organizations

• 1775: First American abolition society founded 

• 1784: Suicides as protest revive abolitionist group 

• 1793: Province limits slave trade, moves to end slavery 

• 1794: U.S. abolition groups connect and convene 

• 1796: African American mutual aid group founded 

• 1810: David Ruggles: Marshals support for freedom seekers 

• 1816: Unsung heroines play key movement roles 

• 1816: "Fantasy" scheme to preserve U.S. slavery launched 

• 1817-1819: Anti-slavery papers are movement pioneers 

• 1826: New group fosters Black abolitionist movement 

• 1826: John Greenleaf Whittier: Abolitionist poet, editor 

• 1830: Abolitionists lead church desegregation effort 

• 1831: Flagship anti-slavery paper is launched 

• 1832: Black women form female anti-slavery society 

• 1832: Regional anti-slavery society birthed in Boston

• 1832: Maria W. Stewart: Militant abolitionist, women's rights champion 

• 1833: National anti-slavery group established

• 1833: Emiliano Mundrucu: Challenges racism in court 

• 1833: Female anti-slavery groups proliferate 

• 1833: Abolition group is rare for being racially integrated 

• 1833: Lydia Maria Child: Abolitionist and rights advocate

• 1833: Youth choirs part of vibrant anti-slavery culture

• 1834: Mill workers support enslaved cotton pickers 

• 1834: New songs help inspire anti-slavery activism

• 1834: White mobs riot, rampage in two cities

• 1835: Activists foil kidnappers, help fugitives to freedom 

• 1835: Abolitionist women run gauntlet of Boston mob 

• 1836: Abolitionist women gain freedom for enslaved girl 

• 1836: Black women free two who fled bondage 

• 1837: Wendell Phillips: Powerful voice for abolition 

• 1837: Planter's daughters campaign for abolition, women's rights 

• 1837: First college for Black students founded 

• 1838: Mob torches hall after attacking abolitionists 

• 1838: Abolitionists demand Congress restore free debate on slavery 

• 1839: Women's role is key issue in anti-slavery society split 

• 1839-1858: Gift sales raise thousands for anti-slavery cause 

• 1840: Liberty Party aims to advance abolition through ballot box 

• 1842: Campaign prevents escapee's return to bondage 

• 1842: Sarah Parker Remond: Activist for human rights, women's suffrage 

• 1845: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper: Poet, anti-slavery activist 

• 1847: The North Star: Voice of Black abolitionism debuts 

• 1847: Sloop captain carries fugitives to freedom 

• 1847: The Crafts: Tireless speakers against slavery after daring escape 

• 1850-1860: Underground Railroad helps thousands secure freedom 

• 1850: Abolitionist Nancy Gardner Prince publishes autobiography 

• 1850: Martin Delany: Abolitionist leader champions Black self-reliance 

• 1851: Challenges to Fugitive Slave Act fire movement 

• 1860: Wide Awake: The movement that helps Lincoln win