Video: 'The Act That Bought Slaves Freedom in D.C.'

(Wednesday, April 16, 1862; during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln today signed into law the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act ending slavery in the District of Columbia; Congress also provided compensation to former slave owners.

In signing the legislation, Lincoln wrote: “I have never doubted the constitutional authority of Congress to abolish slavery in this district, and I have ever desired to see the national capital freed from the institution in some satisfactory way.”

It took another nine more months for Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation.