The Antislavery Movement in Kentucky

As one of only two states in the nation to still allow slavery by the time of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, Kentucky’s history of slavery runs deep. Based on extensive research, The Antislavery Movement in Kentucky focuses on two main antislavery movements that emerged in Kentucky during the early years of opposition. By 1820, Kentuckians such as Cassius Clay called for the emancipation of slaves—a gradual end to slavery with compensation to owners. Others, such as Delia Webster, who smuggled three fugitive slaves across the Kentucky border to freedom in Ohio, advocated for abolition—an immediate and uncompensated end to the institution. Neither movement was successful, yet the tenacious spirit of those who fought for what they believed contributes a proud chapter to Kentucky history. Lowell H. Harrison (1922–2011) was professor of history at Western Kentucky University and the author of many books on the history of the Commonwealth. Harrison’s study provides a survey of the most prominent abolitionists in Kentucky. —Civil War Book Review Ably demonstrates the courageous efforts of many of the white and black Kentuckians who opposed and resisted slavery. —Journal of American Historyhttps://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_united_states_history/1142/thumbnail.jp