Downtown in Greensboro in Guilford County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Trial Of Benjamin Benson
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, August 20, 2013
1. The Trial Of Benjamin Benson Marker
Benjamin Benson, a free African-American who lived in Deleware, was kidnapped and sold as a slave to John Thompson of Greensboro. In 1817 Benson filed a suit against Thompson in Guüford County Superior Court to reclaim his freedom. His case was supported by Vestal Coffin, George Swain and Enoch Macy, local Quakers who had learned of his situation. Thompson's response to the lawsuit was to send Benson to Georgia where he was sold to a new owner. When the judge learned of Thompson's action, he ordered Benson's immediate return. In 1820 Benson was declared a free man. It is believed that he was the first African-American in the United States to use the legal system to gain freedom. The support given him by the Quakers was part of their continuing opposition to the institution of slavery.Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
Location. 36° 4.3′ N, 79° 47.48′ W. Marker is in Greensboro, North Carolina, in
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Frye (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Underground Railroad (about 300 feet away); Lunsford Richardson (about 300 feet away); O. Henry (about 300 feet away); Albion Tourgee (about 300 feet away); Pfc. Phill G. McDonald (about 300 feet away); Guilford County Vietnam Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greensboro.
Regarding The Trial Of Benjamin Benson. "Deleware" spelling used instead of "Delaware".
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, August 20, 2013
2. The Trial Of Benjamin Benson Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, August 20, 2013
3. The Trial Of Benjamin Benson Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,217 times since then and 238 times this year. Last updated on October 16, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 6, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
