Article Analysis of Gregory Wigmore's Before the Railroad: From Slavery to Freedom in the Canadian-American Borderland

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Gregory Wigmore’s article Before the Railroad: From Slavery to Freedom in the Canadian-American Borderland covers the main theme of local history during the 19th century in Detroit and Windsor. In particular, Wigmore looks at how the Detroit River served as an escape route between the transnational borders for slaves living on both sides of the river. Wigmore explores how the border was the godsend for the slaves because a simple cross across the river would allow them their freedom. Wigmore’s main focus is the many factors and laws that happened between the 1810’s and the 1820’s that played an important role in this freedom.

To begin, Wigmore argues that there is an important relationship between slavery and the borders which allowed the slaves their freedom. Wigmore develops this idea by introducing his reader to personal case studies. He provides context by giving a historical as well as personal narratives of runaway slaves. He uses that narrative to than explore the historical laws and amendments that were created on the basis of slavery. In particular, Wigmore looks at two contradictory laws; the Upper Canada’s 1793 antislavery act which “forbade the introduction of new slaves into their respective jurisdictions” and the Jay Treaty of 1794 which “protected the private property of British subjects living in the region prior to the American takeover in 1796, and that such property included slaves.” Wigmore demonstrates through the use of personal stories how these two acts were contradictory and confusing for the habitants of both countries.

To continue, Wigmore develops his argument by looking at the multiple tensions that existed on both sides of the river. In one way, Wigmore paints the positive picture that these b...

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...ave`s actions much more significant.

As a final note, Gregory Wigmore`s article really touched upon a unique and unexplored topic on local history in the Windsor-Detroit region. I had never seen the Detroit River as a safe haven for anyone, much less slaves. His article focuses on how the borders provided freedom and screwed over the slave owners that got stuck in red tape trying to retrieve their `property.` Although cross border freedoms were created, laws at the time didn`t protect the slaves in the country they were living in; the only way to freedom was to run away. This article is an interestingly unique and an underexplored topic of slavery before the underground railroads.

Bibliography

Wigmore, Gregory. “Before the Railroad: From Slavery to Freedom in the Canadian-American Borderland.” The Journal of American History 98 (September 2001): 437-454.

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