Abolition Movement in British North America National Historic Event
Chatham, Ontario
St. Lawrence Hall, site of abolitionist activities
(© Parks Canada Agency / Agence Parcs Canada, 1989)
Address :
Chatham, Ontario
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2004-10-12
Other Name(s):
-
Abolition Movement in British North America
(Designation Name)
-
Anti-Slavery Movement, Abolitionist Movement
(Other Name)
Research Report Number:
2003-008, 2003-051, 2003-066
Importance:
Struggle to abolish slavery in British North America between 1783 and 1860
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: 135 King Street East, Chatham, Ontario
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.