Publisher's Synopsis
""The Free Negro In Virginia, 1619-1865"" by John Henderson Russell is a historical account of the experiences of free African Americans in Virginia from the earliest days of the colony until the end of the Civil War. The book explores the complex and often contradictory ways in which Virginia's free black population interacted with white society, from the early years of slavery to the abolition of slavery and the eventual granting of citizenship to African Americans.Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, including court records, census data, and personal letters and diaries, Russell traces the evolution of Virginia's free black community over time, from its origins as a small group of indentured servants and skilled craftsmen to its growth into a diverse and vibrant population with its own distinct culture and identity. Along the way, he examines the various legal and social restrictions that were placed on free blacks, including restrictions on land ownership, voting rights, and access to education and other public services.Despite these obstacles, Russell shows that Virginia's free black population was able to carve out a meaningful existence for itself, building strong communities and creating a rich cultural legacy that has endured to this day. At the same time, he also highlights the many challenges and injustices that free African Americans faced, including the constant threat of violence and the ever-present specter of re-enslavement.Overall, ""The Free Negro In Virginia, 1619-1865"" provides a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of a little-known chapter in American history, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of a group of people who played a vital role in shaping the course of our nation's development.""This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
