Underground Railroad: The William Still Story

Fugitive Slave Act

Clip | 2m 15s  | Video has closed captioning.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was the last attempt by the government in Washington to appease the southern slave states and shut down the Underground Railroad. It required every state and territory in the United States to assist in the return of fugitive slaves and gave slave owners the right to seek them out even in states that had abolished slavery.

Aired: 02/05/12

Rating: TV-PG

Problems Playing Video? | Closed Captioning

Funding provided by CN Railway, Rogers Cable Network, Canada Media Fund, and Rogers Documentary Fund. Additional support from David W. Pretty, Vernon Achber & Phil Lind, and CPB.