September 3

September 3, 1838 – Frederick Douglass Escapes Slavery

Frederick Douglass

One of America’s greatest orators Frederick Douglass (born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey) escaped from slavery to freedom on September, 3 1838.  Douglas while dressed in a sailor’s uniform to conceal his identity, traveled from Maryland by train, steam ferry, steamboat and foot to New York City and freedom in less than 24 hours.   Born a slave, Douglass after escaping slavery became one of the world’s foremost abolitionist and human rights leaders.  Later in life he was named Minister-Resident and Consul-General to Haiti on July 1, 1889.  Douglass was the first African American to have a position that high in the United States Government. 

Frederick Douglass by Samuel J Miller, 1847-52

Douglass was known for his brilliant and persuasive oratory which drew listeners of all races to hear him expound upon the merits of freedom for all people.  His famous “Fourth of July” speech illustrated the mastery of his intellectual persuasion and boldness to speak the truth regardless of any personal consequences. Douglass was born in February of 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland and died on February 20, 1895 in Washington, DC at age 77.