Middlebury in Addison County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)

Frederick Douglass Launched The One Hundred Conventions

Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 30, 2024

1. Frederick Douglass Launched The One Hundred Conventions Marker

Inscription. On July 13-14, 1843, in the Addison County Courthouse, Frederick Douglass and other prominent abolitionists of the New England Anti-Slavery Society launched their six-month 100 Conventions tour to generate anti-slavery sentiment in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Middlebury was chosen as the first stop because it was home to Middlebury College and to Congressman William Slade, an anti-slavery campaigner. The abolitionists were greeted by an intensely bitter and violent crowd, with students denouncing Douglass as an escaped convict. However, as The Vermont Observer reported, "the house was perfectly still" when Douglass spoke, captivated by his story of enslavement.

Erected 2023 by Vermont Division For Historic Preservation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1843.

Location. 44° 0.844′ N, 73° 9.983′ W. Marker is in Middlebury, Vermont, in Addison County. It is at the intersection of Court Square (U.S. 7) and South Pleasant Street, on the left when traveling

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west on Court Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 Court Square, Middlebury VT 05753, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Champlain Valley

and in Greater Burlington.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Court Square (a few steps from this marker); Middlebury War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Addison County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Middlebury Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Congregational Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); From Two Bridges to One Tunnel (about 300 feet away); Emma Willard Memorial (about 400 feet away); Charter House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middlebury.

Also see . . .
1. Historic Marker Honoring Frederick Douglass’s 1843 Visit to Middlebury Unveiled at Court Square.

The Town of Middlebury and Middlebury College unveiled a historic marker at Court Square on September 22 honoring Frederick Douglass’s visit to Middlebury in 1843.

(Submitted on May 26, 2025.)

2. Frederick Douglass (Wikipedia). (Submitted on May 26, 2025.)

Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 30, 2024

2. Frederick Douglass Launched The One Hundred Conventions Marker

(west face)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 380 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.