History (Hilltowns)

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Harper’s New Monthly Magazine – October 1869 The Helderbergs at the Indian Ladder

Town Histories:

General historic references for the Hilltowns:

General History Topics

Slavery

New York state laws regarding Negro Slavery.[1]

  • The emancipation of slaves by the Quakers was legalized in 1798. At that date there were still about 33,000 slaves in the state.
  • On March 29, 1799, an act was passed for the gradual abolition of slavery in New York. Any child

born of a slave after July 4th was to be free at the age of 25 if a girl and 28 if a boy.

  • In 1817 an act was passed providing for the emancipation of all slaves in 1827 — 36 years before National Emancipation.
  1. Altamont Enterprise, 8 May 1953