Graves of Enslaved People Discovered on Founding Father's Delaware Plantation

[Judi Lynn]

A signee of the U.S. Constitution, John Dickinson enslaved as many as 59 men, women and children at one time



This recreated wooden building resembles one that may have housed enslaved people on John Dickinson's Dover, Delaware, plantation. (National Park Service)

By Nora McGreevy
SMITHSONIANMAG.COM
MARCH 26, 2021

John Dickinson (1732–1808), often described as the “penman of the Revolution,” numbered among the wealthy American statesmen who helped foment resistance against British colonial rule during the Revolutionary War. Along with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, Dickinson signed his name to the United States Constitution in 1787.

Like many of his co-signers, Dickinson wrote frequently about the “Blessings of Liberty” while also enslaving humans. At his 5,000-acre family plantation in modern-day Dover, Delaware, the politician may have enslaved as many as 59 people—including men, women and children—at one time, notes the National Park Service (NPS).

This week, state archaeologists announced the discovery of the likely graves of at least 25 enslaved people on the Dover plantation’s grounds. Researchers remain unsure of the exact number of graves at the site, as some records suggest that several hundred enslaved individuals were laid to rest there, per the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ (HCA) website.

As Mark Eichmann reports for PBS/NPR station WHYY, crews dug underground to identify the contours of some grave shafts but did not disturb the burials themselves.

More:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/graves-enslaved-people-discovered-former-delaware-plantation-180977346/

[secondwind]

1. The irony is stunning.......

Resisting colonial rule while enslaving others. smh

[appalachiablue]

2. The scourge was all over, regardless

of states in the Confederacy. New York had slavery for 200 years, 1620- 1820.

[Amaryllis]

3. THis is the key:

"Like many of his co-signers, Dickinson wrote frequently about the “Blessings of Liberty” while also enslaving humans." The enslaved people were not considered human. Those who enslave can only justify it by dehumanizing the enslaved.