The following information is factual and provides a glimpse into the “unspeakable” part of American History.
George Washington:
- Number of Enslaved People: Over 300 at the peak.
- Important Dates: Inherited first enslaved individuals at age 11 (1743). Will provided for emancipation upon Martha Washington’s death in 1802.
Thomas Jefferson:
- Number of Enslaved People: Over 600 at the peak.
- Important Dates: Inherited first enslaved people in 1757. Did not free his slaves during his lifetime, died on July 4, 1826.
John Adams:
- Number of Enslaved People: Did not own slaves during his lifetime.
- Important Dates: Did not engage in the practice of slave ownership. Played a role in the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780. Died on July 4, 1826.
Benjamin Franklin:
- Number of Enslaved People: Owned enslaved individuals in his earlier years but later became an abolitionist and freed them.
- Important Dates: Began advocating for abolition in the 1770s, signed a 1790 petition to Congress for abolition. Passed away on April 17, 1790.
Alexander Hamilton:
- Number of Enslaved People: Alexander Hamilton did not own slaves during his lifetime.
John Jay:
- Number of Enslaved People: John Jay did not own slaves during his lifetime.
James Madison:
- Number of Enslaved People: Owned enslaved individuals throughout his life, exact numbers varied.
- Important Dates: Inherited enslaved individuals from family. Did not free his slaves during his lifetime, died on June 28, 1836.
Total Number of Enslaved Individuals: The total number of enslaved individuals owned by the Founding Fathers on this list at their peak ownership was over 900.
