Emancipation of 500 – 226th Anniversary

Aug 1, 1791. Virginia planter Robert Carter III confounded hisfamily and friends by filing a deed of emancipation for his 500 slaves. One of the wealthiest men in the state, Carter owned 60,000 acres over 18 plantations. The deed included the following words: I have for some time past been convinced that to retain them in Slavery is contrary to the true principles of Religion and Justice and therefore it is my duty to manumit them. The document established a schedule by which 15 slaves would be freed each Jan 1, over a 21-year period, plus slave children would be freed at age 18 for females and 21 for males. It is believed this was the largest actof emancipation in US history and predated the Emancipation Proclamation by 70 years.