The Christiana Riot which took place in 1851 at Lancaster County, Pennsylvania arose when Southern slave catchers and Northern abolitionists who despised slavery clashed. The Free states had laws which protected fleeing slaves who managed to cross into their territory. Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which permitted slave owners or their agents to pursue fugitive slaves in Free states and required state officials to aid in the recapture of the alleged slaves. Under provisions of the 1850 Fugitive Slave law, the elder Gorsuch swore out warrants on his former slaves. “The acquittal of all of the defendants was hailed by Northern abolitionists as a major victory against slavery and especially against the Fugitive Slave Act.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 05, 2020 20:03 UTC