Chatham in Chatham-Kent, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Abolition Movement in British North America

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

1. The Abolition Movement in British North America Marker

Inscription. From 1783 until the 1860s, abolitionists in British North America took part in the fight to end slavery both at home and in the United States. Thanks to the determination of colonial officials, anti-slavery organizations, and the thousands of African Americans who took refuge in Upper and Lower Canada and the Maritimes during this period, the colonies became a centre of abolitionist activity, as evidenced by the convention held here at this church by John Brown in 1858. This struggle for human rights had a defining influence on African Canadian culture and helped shape Canada's values and institutions.

Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1783.

Location. 42° 24.358′ N, 82° 10.548′ W. Marker is in Chatham, Ontario, in Chatham-Kent. It is on King Street East just east of Prince Street South, on the left when traveling

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east. This historical marker is located in Chatham, east of the downtown business district, in a residential neighborhood, in front of the First Baptist Church, between Princess and Prince Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 135 King Street East, Chatham ON N7M 3N1, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John Brown's Convention 1858 (a few steps from this marker); Kent County Court House (approx. half a kilometer away); Chatham Armoury (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Kent Regiment (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Chatham Blockhouse (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Tecumseh (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); The Forks (approx. 0.7 kilometers away);

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

2. The Abolition Movement in British North America Marker

View of the southeast front corner of the First Baptist Church, with a distant view of the featured historical marker situated just to the right of the front door, and another historical marker situated at the far left front corner of the structure.

Skirmish at the Forks (approx. 0.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

3. The Abolition Movement in British North America Marker

A closer view of the southeast front corner of the First Baptist Church, with a view of the featured historical marker situated just to the right of the front door, and another historical marker situated at the far left front corner of the structure.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2013

4. The Abolition Movement in British North America Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 876 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 20, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.