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Historical Essay

Pleasant Ridge: A Community of Black Farmers in Wisconsin

Read the history of Pleasant Ridge, Wisconsin, a unique a community developed by formerly enslaved African American slaves in the mid-19th century.
Historical Essay

African Americans in Wisconsin

Brief history of African Americans in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Jefferson, Thomas (descendants in Wisconsin)

Brief explanation Thomas Jefferson's descendants in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Slavery in Wisconsin

Brief history of slavery in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Southerners in Wisconsin

Brief history of Southerners in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Pierce, Hettie, 1829-1944

Madison's Oldest Resident
Born into slavery, Hettie Pierce lived 115 years and was able to fully experience both life before and after emancipation.
Historical Essay

Freedom Seeker's Collar

Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story
Iron collar removed from a freedom seeker by Wisconsin soldiers in 1862. (Museum object #1961.73)
Historical Essay

Our First Presidential Candidate

The Rise and Fall of Isaac Walker
Discover the story of Isaac P. Walker, the first Wisconsin presidential contender in 1850.
Historical Essay

The Man With the Branded Hand

The Story of Jonathan Walker, Abolitionist
Discover the story of Jonathan Walker, "Slave Stealer."
Historical Essay

Benjamin Butts (1853-1930)

One Man's Journey from Slavery to Madison Business Owner to State Assembly Staff Member
Learn about a freed slave's intriguing story as a barber serving Wisconsin's prominent politicians, and as a well-known, beloved face in the capital city.
Historical Essay

An Army Chaplain Objects to Issuing Passes for Slave Hunting

A Wisconsin Civil War Story
Historical Essay

A Minister Teaches Escaped Slaves to Read and Write

A Wisconsin Civil War Story
Historical Essay

A Jackson County Captain Reflects on Slavery and Black Women

A Wisconsin Civil War Story
Historical Essay

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

How Wisconsin was Divided
Discover how the Ordinance of 1787 extended government, prohibited slavery and led to the survey of public lands north of the Ohio River.
Historical Essay

Black History in Wisconsin

Read about Black history in Wisconsin. There are many links to original documents, pictures, eyewitness accounts, and other primary sources.
Historical Essay

The Underground Railroad in Wisconsin

Read about the most famous actions of freedom seekers along Wisconsin's Underground Railroad. Includes links to primary sources.

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