Near Fredericksburg in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Anthony Burns
(1834 ~ 1862)
Photographed By Kevin W., February 25, 2016
1. Anthony Burns Marker
Inscription.
Anthony Burns was born into slavery in Stafford County. In 1854 Burns escaped from Richmond, where he had been hired out, to Boston. His owner demanded his return under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Burns' arrest on 24 May 1854 inspired abolitionists to attempt his rescue. They were unsuccessful, and a judge ruled that Burns must be sent back to his owner. The episode increased antislavery sentiment across the North. Activists, including African American Bostonians, freed Burns through purchase in 1855, after which he attended Oberlin College. He became a minister and died in Canada West (later Ontario) in 1862.
Anthony Burns was born into slavery in Stafford County. In 1854 Burns escaped from Richmond, where he had been hired out, to Boston. His owner demanded his return under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Burns' arrest on 24 May 1854 inspired abolitionists to attempt his rescue. They were unsuccessful, and a judge ruled that Burns must be sent back to his owner. The episode increased antislavery sentiment across the North. Activists, including African American Bostonians, freed Burns through purchase in 1855, after which he attended Oberlin College. He became a minister and died in Canada West (later Ontario) in 1862.
Erected 2012 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-133.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is May 24, 1854.
Location. 38° 19.277′ N, 77° 28.083′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. Marker is on River Road, 0.3 miles east of Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. 1), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 River Rd, Fredericksburg VA 22405, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Moncure Daniel Conway (here, next to this marker); Freedom Began Here
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2016, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 974 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2016, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
