The Christiana Riot
Inscription
The 1850 federal Fugitive Slave Act strengthened the position of slaveowners seeking to capture runaways. Pursuing four escaped slaves, Maryland farmer Edward Gorsuch arrived Sept. 11, 1851, at the Christiana home of William Parker, an African American who was giving them refuge. Neighbors gathered, fighting ensued, and Gorsuch was killed.
This incident did much to polarize the national debate over the slavery issue.
Location
Sources
More markers in Lancaster
Wheatland
Lancaster, PA
The home of James Buchanan, statesman, diplomat and the fifteenth President of the United States (1857-61), is located on Marietta...
River Brethren
Bainbridge, PA
One of the first religious denominations founded in America, the group held its first baptism in the nearby Conoy Creek around 1780.
Joseph Simon (1712-1804)
Lancaster, PA
Jewish pioneer and merchant, Simon played a significant role in the development of central and western PA.
George Ross
Lancaster, PA
Soldier, ardent patriot, jurist, and a Signer of the Declaration of Independence; settled at Lancaster about 1751.
Lincoln Highway
Columbia, PA
The country's first coast-to-coast highway was established in 1913 by the Lincoln Highway Association, largely by improving and linking...