Today in History: Abolition in D.C.

Today in History–April 16–the Library of Congress features abolition. On this day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia. Learn more about the abolition of slavery in the United States capital by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources and teaching resources related to abolition and slavery.

Abolition in the District of Columbia from America’s Library

Abolition in Washington D.C. primary source set

Related resources

• Primary Source Spotlight: Abolition (U.S.) primary source collections & teaching resources
• Primary Source Spotlight: Slavery (U.S.) primary source collections
• Primary Source Learning: Slavery (U.S.) teaching resources
• Today in History: Compromise of 1850 primary source collections