The Politics of Slavery and Freedom in Philadelphia, 1820-1850

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As the most southern of northern cities in a state that bordered three slave states, antebellum Philadelphia maintained a long tradition of both abolitionism and fugitive slave activity. Although Philadelphia’s Black community lived in a free city in a free state, they faced constant threats to their personal safety and freedom. Enslavers, kidnappers, and slave catchers prowled the streets of Philadelphia in search of potential victims, violent anti-Black riots erupted in the city, and white politicians legislated to undermine Black freedom. Join Dr. Drago as he illustrates how the political and physical conflicts that arose over fugitive slave removals and the kidnappings of free Black people forced Philadelphians to confront the politics of slavery.

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Elliott Drago is the Resident Historian and Editorial Manager of the Jack Miller Center (JMC). He writes and edits historical content for JMC’s various platforms, including its monthly K-12 teacher newsletter, and The American Arc blog. He also publishes historical pieces in popular outlets such as RealClear History and Civics, as well as academic journals, and serves as part of JMC’s editorial team for our forthcoming online American tradition library. Before joining the Jack Miller Center, he taught in public high schools and universities throughout the Philadelphia region. He earned his B.A. in History and Education from Saint Joseph’s University, M.A. in United States History from Villanova University, and his Ph.D. in United States History from Temple University. His research focuses on slavery in the United States and his new book is entitled Street Diplomacy: The Politics of Slavery and Freedom in Philadelphia, 1820-1850 (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2022).