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Tax day and the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia

Leonard Cizewski's photo
Madison History Examiner

On April 16, 1862, 149 years ago this month, President Lincoln signed the bill that abolished slavery in the District of Columbia.

Because the District of Columbia observed Emancipation Day on April 15 this year, tax day was adjusted to April 18.

The bill provided for:

  • Immediate emancipation.
  • Compensation to former owners who were loyal to the Union of up to $300 for each freed slave.
  • Voluntary colonization of former slaves to locations outside the United States.
  • Payments of up to $100 for each person choosing emigration.

(Source: National Archives and Records Administration)

Southern Senators and Representatives had blocked all previous efforts to end slavery in D.C. When their states seceded, they abandoned their seats. Congress was finally able to pass the bill.

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For more information:

National Archives and Records Administration

Featured Documents: The District of Columbia Emancipation Act

District of Columbia official site:

DC Emancipation Day

Internal Revenue Service:

IRS Kicks Off 2011 Tax Season with Deadline Extended to April 18

"Celebration of the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia for Colored People in Washington, April 19, 1866" Wood Engraving from a sketch by F. Dielman in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.
"Celebration of the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia for Colored People in Washington, April 19, 1866" Wood Engraving from a sketch by F. Dielman in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.
Photo credit: 
Public domain image from the National Archives and Records Administration

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, Madison History Examiner

Leonard H. Cizewski is a registered nurse and amateur historian. Since first learning to read, he has been fascinated with history. He pursues his interest by researching family history and publishing what he finds on his family history website. From what he's learned from researching his late...

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