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Birth
Born as a slave, life was tough for Frederick. His exact date of birth is not known. Photography wasn't invented yet, so no pictures were taken. -
Purchases "The Columbian Orator"
While still a slave, the slave owner's wife taught Douglass the alphabet. After that, he is mostly self educated. He purchased this book and used it to teach himself and develop ideas and opinions on important issues. His love of speaking and debate was likely influenced by this book. -
Escape to the North
Douglass escapes to the North with the help of his wife-to-be Anna Murray. He changes his name to Frederick Douglass because he was inspired by a poem called "The Lady of the Lake" written by William Scott. The main character in this poem was named Douglass. -
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Employed as a Lecturer by William Lloyd Garrison
Frederick speaks at an abolitionist meeting and works as a lecturer in the North. His position as an abolitionist is developed and expressed during this period. He becomes quite good at delivering speeches. -
Publishes His First Autobiography and Flees to Europe.
Frederick was being chased by slave hunters, so he fled to Europe where English admirers purchased his freedom. His first autobiography is published during this year. The book was titled "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave". -
Publishes The North Star
Frederick Douglass publishes an abolitionist newspaper in the North. This newspaper was vital in changing Northerners' views on slavery. At the time, it was dnagerous for any person to suggest abolishig slavery, but a black person was especially in danger. He also becomes an advocate for women's rights. -
Attends the First Woman's Rights Convention
Douglass is the only black man that attended the first woman's rights convention. It was held in Seneca Falls, New York. He was also one of the 100 attendees who signed the Declaration of Sentiments. -
What to a Slave is The Fourth of July?
Frederick Douglass delivers his most famous speech in New York. This speech highlights the hypocrisy of the institution of slavery in a country founded on the principles of equality. It stunned audience members and spread quickly through the Northern states. -
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Works to Aid the Union
Douglass frequently meets with current president Abraham Lincoln to improve the treatment of black soldiers in the Union army. He was an avid supporter of the Emancipation Proclamation, but he still wanted Lincoln to abolish slavery entirely. Outside of the war effort, he continues to support women's suffrage. -
Federal Marshal for the District of Columbia
Frederick Douglass becomes Federal Marshall in 1877, seven years after the first black person is elected to Congress. He is part of a historic time period that prompted further civil rights movements. -
Recorder of Deeds in the District of Columbia
Douglass takes another role in D.C. Republican presidents after the Civil War consistently nominated him for positions in the capital city. He was a very important figure. These positions made him first of all black people to hold a position that needed to be voted on by the Senate. -
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Consul General in the Republic of Haiti
Frederick Douglass uses his elected positions to speak for the oppressed minorities. He is one of the most famous people responsible for changing our nation's views on those different than us. He resigns from his poistion as Consul in 1891, he returns home to die four years later. -
Death
A voice for the oppressed and a respectable man, Douglass dies at the age of 77 in his home on Cedar Hill.
