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Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

USA119th CongressHRES-336| House 
| Updated: 4/17/2025
Eleanor Holmes Norton

Eleanor Holmes Norton

Democratic Representative

District of Columbia

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This resolution seeks to recognize and honor the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl schooner escape , which occurred on April 16, 1848. It details the courageous attempt by 77 enslaved people from the District of Columbia and Alexandria, Virginia, to flee to freedom aboard the schooner Pearl, facilitated by abolitionists like Daniel Drayton and financed by Gerrit Smith. Despite their efforts, the escape was thwarted when a posse intercepted the Pearl, leading to the capture and return of all aboard. The enslaved individuals were subsequently sold to traders and taken to New Orleans, while the White abolitionists involved faced arrest and imprisonment, though some were later pardoned. This significant event is recognized as the single largest known escape attempt by enslaved persons in American history and is noted for inspiring Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 116-1104
Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 117-324
Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 118-294
Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 115-1074
Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.
Apr 17, 2025
Submitted in House
Apr 17, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 116-1104
    Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 117-324
    Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 118-294
    Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 115-1074
    Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.


  • April 17, 2025
    Submitted in House


  • April 17, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

USA119th CongressHRES-336| House 
| Updated: 4/17/2025
This resolution seeks to recognize and honor the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl schooner escape , which occurred on April 16, 1848. It details the courageous attempt by 77 enslaved people from the District of Columbia and Alexandria, Virginia, to flee to freedom aboard the schooner Pearl, facilitated by abolitionists like Daniel Drayton and financed by Gerrit Smith. Despite their efforts, the escape was thwarted when a posse intercepted the Pearl, leading to the capture and return of all aboard. The enslaved individuals were subsequently sold to traders and taken to New Orleans, while the White abolitionists involved faced arrest and imprisonment, though some were later pardoned. This significant event is recognized as the single largest known escape attempt by enslaved persons in American history and is noted for inspiring Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 116-1104
Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 117-324
Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 118-294
Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.

Bill from Previous Congress

HRES 115-1074
Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.
Apr 17, 2025
Submitted in House
Apr 17, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 116-1104
    Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 117-324
    Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 118-294
    Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HRES 115-1074
    Recognizing the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and honoring its legacy in American history.


  • April 17, 2025
    Submitted in House


  • April 17, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Eleanor Holmes Norton

Eleanor Holmes Norton

Democratic Representative

District of Columbia

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted