April 16th marks Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia. On this day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act which freed about 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia nine months before President Lincoln issued his famous Emancipation Proclamation. This Act represents the only example of compensation by the federal government to former owners of emancipated slaves, as residents were paid up to $300 for each freed slave.
Today in the District, Emancipation Day is a holiday marked by celebrations around the city. In honor of DC Emancipation Day, we thought it would be appropriate to share a couple shots of former President Lincoln. Enjoy!
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