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Event

Anniversary of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850

September 18, 1850
By: Oregon Education Association
Published: July 10, 2023

The U.S. Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 on September 18. The law required that people who had escaped from slavery be captured and returned. Quoting from the law: "And be it further enacted, that any person who shall knowingly and willingly obstruct, hinder, or prevent such claimant, his agent or attorney, or any person or persons lawfully assisting him, her, or them, from arresting such a fugitive from service or labor, . . . or shall harbor or conceal such fugitive, . . . shall be subject to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, and imprisonment not exceeding six months..." People who were captured were not allowed to testify in their own defense. "In no trial or hearing under this act shall the testimony of such alleged fugitive be admitted in evidence. . ." 

Resources

Resources

  • Sept. 18, 1850: Fugitive Slave Act Passed - Zinn Education Project

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