Riverfront in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Freedom Lost

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 10, 2023

1. Freedom Lost Marker

Inscription. By the late 1700s the institution of slavery was declining in Delaware and there was a dramatic growth in the state's free black population. Demand for slave labor in the Deep South continued to grow and large numbers of free blacks were kidnapped and sent south via networks operated by criminal gangs. The Abolition Society of Delaware and men like Thomas Garrett worked tirelessly against the practice, but Delaware's black residents continued to live in fear for their freedom until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865. This memorial is dedicated to the victims of this enterprise and those who fought against it.

Erected 2004 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NCC-128.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 39° 44.236′ N, 75° 33.219′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Riverfront. Marker is at the intersection of South Market Street (Business U.S. 13) and South Shipley Street, on the right when traveling south on South Market

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Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 S Market St, Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Railroad Boom (a few steps from this marker); South Market Street Bridge Dedicated in Honor of Senator John E. Reilly, Sr. (within shouting distance of this marker); South Market Street Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harriet Tubman (about 300 feet away); The Underground Railroad (about 300 feet away); Thomas Garrett (about 300 feet away); The Big Quarterly (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named The Great Railroad Boom (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which had different text.

Additional keywords. human trafficking

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 10, 2023

2. Freedom Lost Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.