Skip to main content

Charles Mitchell: A Slave In Washington State

By the time Washington became a state in 1889, slavery had been abolished for nearly a quarter century. But there are a few documented cases of slavery in the Washington Territory. One is Charles Mitchell, who was born a slave and brought to the territory in 1853.

How did the 12-year-old escaped slave end up in Washington and why did his slavery cause a fight between Canada and the US? Ross Reynolds talks with storyteller Eva Abram to hear the story.

Why you can trust KUOW
Close
On Air Shows

Print

Print

Play Audio
 Live Now On KUOW
KUOW's The Wild with Chris Morgan
Next: Throughline in 19 mins
On Air Shows

Print

Print

Play Audio
Local Newscast
The Latest
View All
    Play Audio