Escaping to freedom

• 1526: First Africans likely brought as slaves to North America revolt

• 1579: Africans win freedom in first mass uprising

• 1738: First free Black town in North America founded

• 1776-1783: Service for freedom: thousands join British forces

• 1780: Black residents help win first abolition law

• 1781: New Hampshire bans slavery, but full rights denied

• 1793: New law requires return of fugitives from slavery

• 1810: David Ruggles: Marshals support for freedom seekers

• 1811: Lewis Hayden: Leading abolitionist, state politician

• 1812-1815: Escapees from slavery help British forces defeat U.S.

• 1816: Unsung heroines play key movement roles

• 1825: March Haynes: freedom guide, key Union spy

• 1829-1830: Pro-slavery mobs devastate Black Ohio communities

• 1833 Britain frees 800,000, compensates enslavers

• 1835 Activists foil kidnappers, help fugitives to freedom

• 1835: Seminoles resist U.S. efforts to take their lands

• 1835-1836: Colonists win Texas independence, protect right to enslave

• 1836: Black women free two who fled bondage

• 1837 Wendell Phillips: Powerful voice for abolition

• 1838: Frederick Douglass escapes, reaches freedom

• 1841: First history of Black people in U.S. published

• 1842: "Under ground Rail-road" promoter transports hundreds to freedom

• 1842: Campaign prevents escapee's return to bondage

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

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

• 1845: Texas takeover decried as land grab for slavery

• 1846: After defeat, Mexico ceded 55% of its land to U.S.

• 1846: "Father" of Underground Railroad helps free 800

• 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

• 1849: Harriet Tubman: "Moses" is also top Union spy

• 1849: Mexico: Freedom for escapees at a price

• 1850 Harsher Fugitive Slave Act is part of political deal

• 1850-1860: Underground Railroad helps thousands secure freedom

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

• 1850: Harsher Fugitive Slave Act is part of political deal

• 1851: Challenges to Fugitive Slave Act fire movement

• 1854: Court case boosts anti-slavery sentiment

• 1854: Wisconsin activists help escapees, challenge Fugitive Slave Act

• 1854: Families move to Kansas to help make it a free state

• 1855: Personal liberty laws protect escapees

• 1861: Enslaved people declared "contraband of war"

• 1862 Congress frees all enslaved people in Washington, D.C.

• 1862: Robert Smalls: Sails Confederate ship to freedom

• 1862 Republicans build on military wins to pass progressive laws

• 1862: William Gould: Rows to freedom, serves in Union Navy

• 1863: Abraham Galloway: Militant activist, Union spy, civil rights leader

• 1864: Gavel made from whipping post gifted to activists

• 1865: Refugees in Canada start coming home