Legacy of Slavery in Maryland
The legacy of slavery in Maryland is part of the state’s rich history and can be explored in a variety of ways. One way is through the Maryland State Archives. Through the Archives a researcher, student, or a regular citizen looking for more information can search through hundreds of records and view many primary documents.
The importance of these collections is that they have been digitized, transcribed, or otherwise altered for quick access in a virtual manner. This makes it easy to learn about an important aspect of Maryland history from the comfort of anywhere there is an internet connection. The website for this collection is http://slavery.msa.maryland.gov/.
The website strives to bring attention to the contributions and struggles of black Marylanders through it’s collections, case studies, exhibits, and visual aids. Using these sources will undoubtedly change perceptions and provide an increased understanding of the overall history of the state.
Using the database, researchers can find any number of ads for runaway slaves by searching for a name, location (city, county), owner, or date.
Below are some examples of advertisements that can be found through the database. The search that was conducted to locate these was for runaway ads in Cecil County.
The above ads are only a small sample of these types of ads that were taken out by owners in Maryland and other slave states. These advertisements give a brief description of the slave and sometimes what the slave was wearing. Ages, heights, coloring, scars, and any other distinguishing features may also be present. Because of Cecil County’s proximity to Pennsylvania, escaped slaves would not have had to travel far in order to reach a free state. However, after the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, their flights would be more difficult due to the federal government requiring civilians and law enforcement in non-slave states to assist in the capture and return of said escaped slaves.
Understanding the past and how this past has shaped the citizens of the state is important to each and every inhabitant of the area. Using these resources and primary sources can and will provide a sense of ownership and understanding to the past and the present.
Bibliography
“$50 Dollar Reward.” Elkton Press. December 5, 1831. https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5400/sc5496/runaway_advertisements/pdf/18311022ep1.pdf
“150 Dollars Reward.” American and Commercial Daily Advertiser. July 23, 1843. https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5400/sc5496/runaway_a dvertisements/pdf/18430728acda1.pdf
“$200 Reward!” Cecil Democrat. February 20, 1861. https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5400/sc5496/runaway_advertisements/ pdf/18610223cd1.pdf
“Fifty Dollars Reward.” Elkton Press. May 6, 1830. https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5400/sc5496/runaway_ad vertisements/pdf/18301106ep1.pdf
“One Hundred Dollars!” Baltimore Sun. November 6, 1831. https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5400/sc5496/runaway_advertisements/pdf/18530409bs1.pdf
US Congress. Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. September 18, 1850. Maryland State Archives. http://slavery.msa.maryland.gov/pdf/slave_act1850.pdf.
