Frederick Douglass Timeline

Birth

1817-

1818

Born in Cordova, Maryland

Named Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey

Born into Slavery under Aaron Anthony

Escape

1838

Going from Baltimore to New York and then to New Bedford, Douglass finally escaped slavery and settled down with his wife Anna Murray. He now goes by the name Frederick Douglass.

Attendance

1841

Douglass attends his forst abolitionist speech by William Lloyd Garrison. This speech propelled him to be much more vocal about abolitionism, later speaking at a similar venue in Nantucket.

Speeches

1843

Douglass went on an obolitionist tour throughout the east and midwest, inspiring people along the way. During this "Hundred Conventions" tour, douglass had his hand permanantley injured by some pro-slavery ruffians.

Autobiography

1845

Douglass published a groundbreaking autobiography detailing his from when he was born to shortly after he escaped from slavery. This autobiography really affected people as it showed them the ugly truth of the system they support and causes them to question if its really worth it.

Travel

1845

Frederick Douglass, fearing for his safety, moved to Ireland for a tour around there like most slaves did. Douglass spoke at some places, inspiring people to become abolitionists for people halfway cross the continent. Douglass was also deeply affected by this as he had never experienced an area so free of racism against him.

Newspaper

1847

Douglass, upon returning to America, started publishing a newspaper called The North Star, in reference to runaway slaves following Polaris, the north star, to make it to the free north. This newspaper talked about important anti-slavery and anti-discrimination topics using the motto "Right is of no Sex – Truth is of no Color – God is the Father of us all, and we are all brethren."

Women's Rights

1848

Douglass attends the first women's rights convention at Seneca Falls, advocating for women's suffrage equally as much as black suffrage. Douglass's persistence to help out others really inspired many people and got them to see new ways of thinking.

Merger

1851

Douglass merged his newspaper with another newspaper, forming the Frederick Douglass' Paper. This paper allowed him to reach even further out audiences.

The 4th of July

1852

Douglass made a momentous speech that would be called "What to the slave is the 4th of july?" which was commended on being one of the best anti-slavery speeches ever and inspired many.

John Brown

1859

Douglass met with John Brown and other abolitionist figures. Later on he would meet with John Brown soley to discuss the Harper's Ferry Raid that he would decline after a day and a night.

War

1863

Douglass was a big supporter for blacks in the war. He even published a recruiting publication. Douglass even talked personally with Abraham Lincoln on the treatment of black soldiers, affecting a lot of people.

Death

Douglass died shortly after speaking at a conference for women's rights.

1895