In 1860, the eve of The U.S. Civil War, that number was down to 70.
At the same time, the number of slaves jumped from 15,486 to 23,719, 60% of the county population.
National Geographic has posted online interactive maps that use the statistics of America's enslaved people to show the spread of slavery across time. Slide the decades bar at the bottom to see the spread. Alabama doesn't show up till 1820, when statehood was about to be bestowed. The same statehood her people would reject 40 years later.
{If you missed it, an Alabama News Network report I produced in February on slavery in the Alabama Capital City is online here.}
A fascinating map - you can track the development of slavery, how it waned in some states while increasing in others. The most jarring number, one that I never though of before, is the 40 year make that you pointed out. Alabama had only been a state for 40 years before it seceded.
ReplyDeleteThanks also, Tim, for posting your local news piece about slavery in Montgomery. That is an important story, and well done on your part.
Thanks, Charles! You made my weekend with you kind comment.
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