Runaway Slaves in Texas from 1830 to 1860

Author

Marjorie Browne Hawkins, Prairie View A&M College

Date of Award

8-1952

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Degree Discipline

History

Abstract

Overt resistance to the slave system on the part of the slaves, precipitated a reign of terror in Texas between the years, 1830 and 1860.

This struggle toward release from enforced slavery took many forms. Among the most frequently used techniques were: (1) individual and collective flight, (2) a slow down in activity and achievement, (3) sabotage, (4) self-mutilation, (5) suicide, and very rarely, (6) purchase of freedom. In this study we are concerned primarily with the circumstances concerning the flight of the individual run-away slave in Texas. We seek to arrive at some answers to questions as follows: Are we able to fit the runaway slave into specific or general types as regards physical or mental characteristics? What factors, if any, effected the direction in which the slave fled? Is there a correlation between the ages and personal characteristics of the various runaways which factors appear to determine the value of slaves as indicated by descriptive advertisements inserted by owners of runaway slaves?

Committee Chair/Advisor

George Ruble Woolfolk

Publisher

Prairie View A&M College

Rights

Date of Digitization

12-8-2021

Contributing Institution

John B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Hawkins, M. B. (1952). Runaway Slaves in Texas from 1830 to 1860. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-theses/822