By the 1830s, the United States was deeply divided over slavery. Northern abolitionists called for its end, while southern states viewed these demands as a threat to their economy and way of life. Congress attempted to maintain balance by admitting free and slave states in pairs. Tensions intensified with the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, which led to the 1848 trials of abolitionists Thomas Garrett and John Hunn in Delaware’s New Castle Court House.
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First State National Historical Park
Article 1: The Flight of the Hawkins Family
An account of the tumultuous escape of the enslaved Hawkins family, which eventually led to the trials of abolitionists John Hunn and Thomas Garrett. Read more
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First State National Historical Park
Article 2: Legal Underpinnings
A discussion of the legal underpinnings of racially based slavery in the United States in the 1840s to provide context to the 1848 trials of abolitionists Thomas Garrett and John Hunn. Read more
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First State National Historical Park
Article 3: The Trials of Thomas Garrett
An overview of the trials against abolitionist Thomas Garrett and the aftermath of those trials. Read more
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First State National Historical Park
Article 4: Trial of John Hunn
An overview of the trial and guilty confession of abolitionist John Hunn and the aftermath. Read more
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First State National Historical Park
Article 5: Delaware and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
A brief discussion of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments and Delaware's response to those amendments. Read more