Celebrating Black History Month: Dred Scott and Harriet Robinson Scott
Celebrate Black History Month as we explore the remarkable journey of Dred Scott and his wife Harriet Robinson Scott. Their inspiring story that left a lasting mark on American history. 📜🕰️🔍 #BlackHistoryMonth
St. Paul, Minnesota – Minnesota’s Fort Snelling, perched atop bluffs that oversee the meeting point of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, is a historic military fort and a designated National Historic Landmark in the Twin Cities. Today, it is a popular spot to visit and soak up the history of the area.
But, in the 1830s, something extraordinary was happening at Fort Snelling, and it wasn’t just the breathtaking views. Meet Dred Scott and Harriet Robinson Scott, African Americans who lived there as enslaved people. Now, in honor of Black History Month, let’s dive into their remarkable journey.
Born into slavery in Virginia around 1799, Dred Scott’s journey through life was a tumultuous one. Growing up, he had several slave owners and was moved around between Alabama and Missouri. Eventually he was sold to another slave owner – Dr. John Emerson, who was a surgeon in the United States Army.
In 1837, it was Emerson who brought Scott to Fort Snelling, which is located in what we now know as Minnesota. At that time, it was part of the free territory of Wisconsin. It was here that Scott crossed paths with Harriet Robinson, who was also enslaved and owned by a man named Lawrence Taliaferro. Their love story culminated in marriage through a civil ceremony, officiated by Taliaferro himself, who served as a justice of the peace.
Following Dr. Emerson’s passing in the Iowa Territory in 1843, his widow, Irene, inherited his estate, which included the Scott family. For the next three years, after Dr. Emerson’s demise, Irene continued to lease the Scotts as hired slaves. In 1846, Dred Scott made a bold attempt to buy freedom for himself and his family, offering $300 (equivalent to $9,771 today adjusted for inflation). Unfortunately, Irene Emerson declined the offer.
Finally, Dred Scott, along with his wife Harriet, bravely sued for their freedom in a landmark case when would eventually come to be known as the “Dred Scott decision.” They argued that their time in free territories should grant them freedom. The case eventually reached the United States Supreme Court.
Unfortunately, the Supreme Court ruled against the Scotts, denying them citizenship and maintaining their status as property. This decision deepened the divide between the North and South and ultimately played a significant role in the lead-up to the Civil War.
But history doesn’t end there. After many years of struggle, Dred and Harriet Scott were finally granted their freedom in May 1857. Tragically, Dred Scott passed away a year later due to tuberculosis.
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The legacy of Dred and Harriet Scott lives on, as their case helped fuel the fire for change. It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s honor Dred and Harriet Scott’s courage and determination. Their story reflects the strength of the human spirit and plays a crucial role in the diverse history of justice in America.
