Archaeology of Northern Slavery and Freedom

In this book, James Delle provides an overview of archaeological research on African Americans north of the Mason-Dixon Line in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, debunking the notion that the "free" states of the Northeast offered freedom and safety. Excavations at cities such as New York and Philadelphia reveal that slavery was a crucial part of urban life until the 1840s, and that enslaved African-descended people frequently staffed suburban manor houses and agricultural plantations. Delle also shows how members of the African diaspora created rural communities and worked in active resistance against slavery.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2019
Publisher: University Press of Florida

In his groundbreaking book, "Archaeology of Slavery in the North: A History of African American Life Beyond the Mason-Dixon Line," James Delle provides a comprehensive overview of archaeological research on the lives of African Americans in the North during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Delle challenges the notion that the "free" states of the Northeast truly offered freedom and safety for African Americans, debunking the myths perpetuated by popular narratives. Through excavations at cities such as New York and Philadelphia, Delle reveals that slavery played a crucial role in the expansion of urban life as late as the 1840s. Case studies in the book showcase how enslaved African-descended people were frequently employed in suburban manor houses and agricultural plantations. Moreover, racist laws such as the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 limited the experience of freedom for free blacks in the region.

Delle delves into how members of the African diaspora created rural communities of their own and engaged in active resistance against the institution of slavery. He emphasizes that race-based slavery originated in the Northeast and persisted there for nearly two centuries, correcting histories that have been whitewashed and forgotten. "Archaeology of Slavery in the North" is a valuable contribution to the series "The American Experience in Archaeological Perspective," edited by Michael S. Nassaney.

Through the recovery and analysis of material artifacts, Delle demonstrates how archaeology can challenge dominant historical narratives and provide a more nuanced understanding of the experiences of African Americans in the North. The book sheds light on the lives of individuals who have been written out of the documentary record, offering a glimpse into their struggles, resilience, and contributions to society. By highlighting the persistence of race-based slavery in the Northeast, "Archaeology of Slavery in the North" contributes to our collective understanding of American history and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813056364