“I Have a Dream”: A 50th Year Testament to the March that Changed America

Timeline of Events

1814 — In the Treaty of Ghent that ended the War of 1812 between the United States and England on December 24, both the U.S. and British governments agreed to use their best efforts to abolish the international slave trade. England abolished slavery in 1833. The United States did not hold up to its end of the agreement.

1850 — Fugitive Slave Act required individuals to return runaway slaves to their owners.

1850–1860 — Underground railroad reached its peak.

1857 — Dred Scott Decision raised the issue of the status of slaves who had been held captive while residing in a free state.

1859 — Harper’s Ferry: October 16, the radical abolitionist John Brown led a group of 21 men in a raid on the arsenal. Brown hoped to use the captured ...