Slavery and Racism in the North Before the Civil War
Slavery and Racism in the North Before the Civil War
The narrative of pre-Civil War slavery and racism in the United States often focuses on the deep-rooted and widespread institution in the South. However, it is important to recognize that slavery and racist attitudes were also present, albeit to a lesser extent, in the North. Despite the common belief that the North was a stronghold of liberation and freedom for African Americans, the reality was more nuanced and complex.
Brookville: A Hub of the Underground Railroad
One of the prime examples of anti-slavery sentiment in the North is the town of Brookville, Pennsylvania. Known as one of the best equipped stations on the Underground Railroad, Brookville played a significant role in helping escaped slaves. Under the Southern sidewalk of Main Street, a hand-dug cavern concealed a well and chambers where escaped slaves hid, recovered from wounds and illnesses, and found food and care through hidden doors in several buildings. The legal penalties for aiding escaped slaves were severe, including the loss of all property, tarring and feathering, hanging, and even extending to family members. This highlights the extreme measures taken to support the institution of slavery even in areas with strong anti-slavery sentiments.
The Hidden Truth Behind Hidden Doors
Today, the cavern in Brookville has been filled in, and most of its history is forgotten. Yet, there are remnants that still exist. The hand-dug well and one building with an access to the well stand as a silent testimony to the clandestine operations of the Underground Railroad. The buildings that once had secret doors were filled in for security reasons after the Civil War. These hidden passages served as a lifeline for freedom-seekers and demonstrated the lengths to which individuals in the North went to support the abolition of slavery.
Racism in Southern Pennsylvania: Punxsutawney and Beyond
Just 15 miles south of Brookville is the town of Punxsutawney, known for its famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. However, a significant piece of the town’s history involves the presence of a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) Grand Wizard. This juxtaposition between two neighboring towns highlights the varying levels of tolerance for racism and oppression in the North. While racism did exist, it was not uniformly accepted in the region.
Reflections on Mainstream Media and Racism
The grand narratives proclaimed by mainstream news often highlight the good deeds and gloss over the negative aspects of racism. These media outlets do not focus on the complex realities of the past and present, such as the existence of KKK activities in Northern towns, as these stories do not sell popularity or political correctness. This raises important questions about the role of mainstream media in shaping public perception and hiding or distorting truth.
Historical Context and the Abolition of Slavery
For a broader context, it is worth noting that in 1833, the British government paid ￡20 million to compensate about 3,000 families that owned slaves when slavery was abolished. This compensation only applied to the United Kingdom, as slavery had been effectively abolished in England by Order in Council in 1105 AD. However, the British compensation eheracted a sense of duty to acknowledge those who lost their 'property' during the Abolitionist movement. It is also worth mentioning that at the time, all the slaves were working in the United States, and owning a slave, or renting one to a slave driver, was a common ‘get-rich-quick’ scheme.
These historical facts reveal the complex and often contradictory nature of anti-slavery activism in the North. While the North was home to many slave owners and sympathizers, it also saw significant anti-slavery efforts through organizations like the Underground Railroad. The legacy of these movements continues to shape the understanding and acknowledgment of racism and slavery in the United States today.