• Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his study, circa 1875.

    Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters

    National Historic Site Massachusetts

Stories

Portrait of Henry W. Longfellow, by Samuel Laurence, 1854.

Longfellow and Abolition

Henry W. Longfellow was a supporter of the movement to abolish slavery in the United States, both before and during the Civil War. In addition to authoring his Poems on Slavery, Longfellow corresponded and was acquainted with many prominent abolitionists. Click here or on the link in the menu on your left to view an online exhibit discussing Henry W. Longfellow's role in the abolition movement.

Did You Know?

Alice Longfellow, c. 1890.

Alice Longfellow, the poet's oldest daughter, was interested in women's education and was an influential figure in the founding of Radcliffe College.