The Upper Canadian Act Against Slavery (1793)
Text from the plaque
Inspired by the abolitionist sentiment emerging in the late 18th century, Lieutenant-Governor J.G. Simcoe made Upper Canada the first British territory to legislate against slavery, which had defined the conditions of life for most people of African ancestry in Canada since the early 17th century. The Act of 1793 did not free a single slave, but prevented their importation and freed the future children of slaves at age twenty-five. Faced with growing opposition in the colonies, slavery declined. The Imperial Act of 1833 finally abolished slavery in the British territories in 1834.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The Region of Niagara
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
At the burial ground on the east side of Mississauga Street
just north of John Street West
Also recorded for this place: The Region of Niagara
N 43 15.134 W 79 05.057
Recorded December 2009. Check current access before visiting.
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