History of slavery in Connecticut

History

The exact date of the first African slaves in Connecticut is unknown, but the narrative of Venture Smith provides some information about the life of northern slavery in Connecticut. Another early confirmed account of slavery in the colony came in 1638 when several native prisoners taken during the Pequot War were exchanged in the West Indies for African slaves. Such exchanges become common in subsequent conflicts.

Contents

• History
• Law
• References

Law

Connecticut blocked the importation of slaves in 1774, and began a gradual emancipation of slaves in 1784 with slavery finally abolished in 1848.