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

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."