The John Davis Case and the U.S. Fugitive Slave Act of 1793

A freedom seeker who had attained liberty in Pennsylvania, John Davis was cruelly kidnapped in Washington County in 1788 and was spirited away to further enslavement on a Virginia plantation. The interstate dispute over the fates of John and his kidnappers would eventually lead to the first federal legislation, in 1793, "respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters." This story of tragedy and despair has been studied by experts and historians, but this program will present new research that might just change the history of the case. 

This program is a part of our "Nurturing Pathways to Freedom" spring digital lecture series. Please click here to register for this event.