The Not-So-Fun Facts About Counting Folks You Didn't Pay: Boston's Enslaved Population
Ah, Boston. Cradle of Liberty, land of baked beans, and a history that's not exactly sunshine and rainbows when it comes to enslaved people. But hey, at least we can learn from the past, right? So, buckle up history buffs (and those who like a good dose of "yikes") as we try to figure out just how many folks were denied freedom in Beantown.
The Early Days: A Hodgepodge of Human Property
Let's rewind to the 1600s. Back then, Boston wasn't picky. The first enslaved people were actually Native Americans, captured during King Philip's War. But soon enough, the transatlantic slave trade kicked in, and Africans became the majority of the enslaved population. Fun fact (that's definitely not fun): Boston wasn't exactly a cotton field kind of place, so enslaved people did a bit of everything, from domestic work to shipbuilding.
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| How Many Slaves Were In Boston |
Numbers Game: It's Complicated
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
Here's where things get a little fuzzy. Unlike counting baked beans (which, let's be honest, can be a challenge too), there's no neat spreadsheet for enslaved people. Estimates say that by 1720, around 12% of Boston's population were enslaved folks. That's a pretty significant chunk of people whose lives were far from free.
Boston's Big Oops: The Disappearing Act (of Enslaved People on Paper)
By the time the 1790 census rolled around, Massachusetts – and Boston by extension – looked like a bastion of freedom on paper. Why? Because slavery had been gradually abolished. But hold on to your tricorn hats! This doesn't mean everyone suddenly got a "Welcome to Freedom" parade. It just meant slavery wasn't exactly fashionable anymore.
So, the Big Question: How Many Were There Really?
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
This is where history gets frustrating. We can't know for sure. Records are spotty, and some folks just weren't interested in counting people they considered property. However, the Boston Archaeology Program has been working on a list of enslaved Bostonians, and so far, they've identified over 1,300 people. That's a lot of lives impacted by a horrific system.
## Frequently Asked Questions (because history can leave you scratching your head):
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How to be a Responsible History Buff?
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
Acknowledge the dark parts of the past. It's uncomfortable, but essential to understand where we are today.
How to Learn More About Boston's Enslaved Population?
The Boston African American National Historic Site is a great place to start.
How to Use Humor When Talking About Slavery?
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
Carefully. This topic is heavy, so humor should be used to make people think, not to make light of the situation.
How to Not Be a Jerk When Talking About This Sensitive Topic?
Be respectful of the people who were enslaved. They were human beings who deserved freedom.
How to Make a Difference Today?
Support organizations working for racial justice and equality.
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