Boston: African American community

• 1670: First African American to own land in Boston

• 1775: Darby Vassall: A lesson about equality

• 1776: Activist Black community forms in Boston

• 1784: Black Freemasons spur activism, advance abolitionist cause

• 1796: African American mutual aid group founded

• 1804: Haitian victory fuels hope among enslaved in U.S.

• 1811: Lewis Hayden: Leading abolitionist, state politician

• 1816: Unsung heroines play key movement roles

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

• 1826: New group fosters Black abolitionist movement

• 1827: Freedom's Journal: The voice of Black abolitionism

• 1829: Walker’s Appeal: A rallying cry for Black Americans

• 1830: Abolitionists lead church desegregation effort

• 1830: David Walker dies; TB listed as cause

• 1831 Flagship anti-slavery paper is launched

• 1832: Regional anti-slavery society birthed in Boston

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

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

• 1834: New songs help inspire anti-slavery activism

• 1842: Campaign prevents escapee's return to bondage

• 1844: Historian derides notions of White superiority

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

• 1850: Nancy Gardner Prince publishes autobiography

• 1851: Challenges to Fugitive Slave Act fire movement

• 1854: Court case boosts anti-slavery sentiment

• 1855: Black abolitionists help ban segregated schools

• 1860 Wide Awake: The movement that helps Lincoln win

• 1860: Boston mob disrupts meeting to honor John Brown

• 1863: Lincoln issues Final Emancipation Proclamation

• 1863: Volunteers of color rush to join Union military