15 Interesting Facts About Dred Scott

Introduction:

Dred Scott is one of the most controversial and important figures in American history. He fought a case for freedom, brought to light the cruelty of slavery, and helped shape the future of our nation. In the 1850s, his case was heard by the highest court in the country, where it was ultimately decided that he was not a free man. Here are 15 interesting facts about Dred Scott and his case.

Fact 1: Dred Scott Was Born Into Slavery

Dred Scott was born into slavery, likely in Virginia sometime between 1795-1800. At the age of 4, he was sold to Peter Blow in St. Louis, Missouri. It was there where he met his future wife, Harriet Robinson, who was also a slave.

Fact 2: Dred Scott Sued for His Freedom in 1846

In 1846, Dred Scott sued for his freedom in the Circuit Court of St Louis County. Despite having lived in many states where slavery was illegal, his argument was denied and he found himself still a slave. His case was appealed to the Supreme Court whose ruling in 1857 stated that according to the US Constitution, he was not a citizen and therefore had no right to sue.

Fact 3: Dred Scott’s Case Brought to Light Slavery’s Cruelty

Throughout his trial, Dred Scott’s case brought to light the cruel conditions of slavery. During the trial it was revealed that his original owner had used him as a “permanent fixture” in his residency and used the threat of selling him to the deep south in order to keep him from asserting any rights.

Fact 4: Dred Scott’s Case Was the First Time a Black Person’s Testimony Was Heard in a US Court

The trial took place in 1847 and was the first time in history a black person’s testimony was heard in a US court. At the time, slaves were not allowed to testify in court. It was also the first time that a black person had tried to sue a white person.

Fact 5: Dred Scott Was Represented by a White Attorney

Dred Scott was represented by a white attorney, Montgomery Blair. Montgomery was a lawyer with a long standing commitment to abolition and was already known as an active advocate for the rights of black people.

Fact 6: Dred Scott’s Case Was Prioritized by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney

Chief Justice Roger B. Taney was the judge who prioritized Dred Scott’s case and ultimately rendered the final decision. He held that Dred Scott could not sue for his freedom as he was not a US citizen.

Fact 7: Dred Scott’s Case Was Appealed to the Supreme Court

After Dred Scott’s case was denied in the Circuit Court, it was taken to the Supreme Court. At the time the supreme court was packed with justices who were pro-slavery. His case became one of the most important cases regarding slavery and was argued by both sides for a year and a half, ending in 1857.

Fact 8: The Supreme Court Ruled Against Dred Scott

The Supreme Court ruled against Dred Scott in the famous Dred Scott vs Sanford decision. This decision stated that a slave cannot become a US citizen no matter how long they had lived in a non-slave owned free state.

Fact 9: Dred Scott’s Case Was Influenced by the Missouri Compromise

The Supreme Court’s decision in the Dred Scott case was greatly influenced by the Missouri Compromise. This was a law passed in 1820 which allowed the people of Missouri to decide for themselves whether or not slavery was permissible within the state. However, it also stated that all new states created in the territory would be free states, thus excluding Missouri.

Fact 10: The Supreme Court’s Decision in the Dred Scott Case Divided the Country

The Supreme Court’s decision in the Dred Scott case divided the country into two camps. On one side, antislavery advocates saw the ruling as a violation of the due process of law and a step backward for the freedom of all African Americans. On the other side, pro-slavery advocates saw it as a victory for the rights of slave owners.

Fact 11: The Dred Scott Decision Led to the Civil War

The Supreme Court’s decision in the Dred Scott case ultimately led to the onset of the Civil War. The ruling enraged antislavery advocates and made it clear to them that the court was not going to protect African Americans or their right to freedom. This led to the secession of the Southern States and the start of the Civil War in 1861.

Fact 12: Dred Scott Was Freed After His Case

After the Supreme court rendered its decision in the Dred Scott case, Dred Scott’s legal owner, John Sanford, set him free in May of 1857. It is believed that Sanford had done so to prevent legal problems that might arise from making Scott a slave again after being declared free by the Supreme Court.

Fact 13: Harriet Scott and Her Daughters Gained Freedom Through the Emancipation Proclamation

Harriet Scott and her two daughters, Eliza and Lizzie, were not a part of the Dred Scott case but were freed through the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln. The Proclamation declared all enslaved persons in the rebellious states to be “forever free”.

Fact 14: Dred Scott Died of Tuberculosis in 1858

Sadly, Dred Scott did not live to see his family fully freed. He died of tuberculosis in 1858, just one year after his freedom was granted. He was buried in an unmarked grave in St. Louis, Missouri.

Fact 15: Dred Scott’s Legacy Lives On

Despite the tragedy of his life, Dred Scott’s legacy lives on today. He is remembered for his bravery and courage to fight for freedom, as well as for helping to shape the future of the United States. He is an important part of African American history and will never be forgotten.

Conclusion

Dred Scott was an important figure in American history whose courage and bravery in the pursuit of freedom were instrumental in shaping the future of our nation. He fought a long and difficult case to achieve his freedom and although that fight did not end with a success, his legacy still lives on today. The facts listed above provide us with a deeper understanding of the man and the impact he and his case had on the nation.