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When the District of Columbia celebrated the four year anniversary of the Emancipation Act,. there was a large parade, and the crowds were addressed by many including Rev. Henry Highland Garnet.

President Lincoln's letter to Congress informing them that he singed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act. Click here to view this document

This is a current aerial view of Franklin Square in Washington, DC. This was the site of the first Emancipation Act anniversary celebration. Compare this photo to the F. Dielman sketch from 1866.

Slaves from Southern states came to Washington, DC to seek refuge from their southern slave holders. These persons were awaiting a visit from Abraham Lincoln at Camp Barker, located a mile north of of the White House in 1862. Click here to view image…

Large crowd of African Americans celebrating the abolition of slavery in Washington, D.C.

A newspaper article from the Cleveland Gazette covering in great detail the 25th anniversary of the DC Emancipation Act. The article highlights prominent two locals who participated in the event: Professor James Monroe Gregory and the Honorable…

These photos represent a small snap shot of the multitude of various events and activities that occur each ear in the District of Columbia to celebrate their official holiday - Emancipation Day.

The information shows the fast paced changes in the African American population in the District of Columbia. Reflects the total population numbers, but also indicates the number that were enslaved versus those whom were freed.

This is a chart created to show that despite allegations of the city being being overrun by the newly freed African Americans in the 1860s, the city actually just grew in general. It was not until after the 1960 that the African American population…

This Google map was created to allow you to zoom in and out and gain a relative perspective of the events, which took place in 1866 and 1991. Click here to access the interactive features of this map.