Question

When did slavery become illegal in Delaware? (Focus on the event rather than the date)

Answer 1

Slavery in Delaware effectively came to an end with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which was ratified on December 6, 1865. However, the process of abolishing slavery in Delaware had begun earlier, with gradual emancipation laws enacted in the state starting in the early 19th century. By 1865, the vast majority of enslaved individuals in Delaware were freed, marking the official end of the institution within the state. The transition was complex and gradual, but the definitive legal termination occurred with federal action through the 13th Amendment.