State Historical Society of Iowa

Fugitive Slave Law, 1850

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, "United States Fugitive Slave Law," Hartford, Connecticut, 1850

Description

The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 made it illegal for anyone in the North to assist fugitive slaves in their escape for freedom. This law added further provisions to the 1793 Fugitive Slave Act regarding runaways and levied even harsher punishments for interfering in their capture. Both laws were repealed by an act of Congress in 1864.

Transcript of the Fugitive Slave Law

Source Dependent Questions

  • According to section 5, what is a marshal liable for if a person escapes their custody?
  • Based on the information provided in section 5, how is a U.S. citizen impacted by this law?
  • According to section 7, what are the consequences for interfering with the capture of a fugitive?
  • Look at the section titled "Synopsis of the Law." Based on the items listed, what conclusion can you make about how the creator of this broadside poster felt in regard to the Fugitive Slave Law? Consider that this poster was created in Hartford, CT. Cite specific evidence.
  • Based on the sections you read, describe any dangers faced by either freedom seekers or those who helped them.

Citation Information

"The Fugitive Slave Law," Hartford, Connecticut, 1850. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress