Dred scott biography activity 12a
Dred scott biography slavery!
Lesson Plans
Written by Olga Koulisis, Burncoat Senior High School, Worcester Public Schools
Introduction
As a landmark Supreme Court case in American history, the importance of the Dred Scott decision deserves its due within the high school classroom.
Born into slavery in Virginia around 1800, Dred Scott traveled westward to St. Louis with his master, Peter Blow, for almost thirty years.
Dred scott biography activity 12a
Following his master’s death, Scott was sold to an army surgeon named John Emerson. Emerson’s army unit soon transferred to Illinois and then Wisconsin. Though slavery was outlawed in these territories, many army officers brought their slaves with them.
It was in Wisconsin that Scott married Harriet Robinson, who then also belonged to John Emerson.
By 1842 the Scotts were back in St. Louis.
Harriet scott
The following year, Emerson died and ownership of the Scotts passed to Emerson’s widow. It was at this point that Scott attempted to purchase his freedom from Mrs. Emerson, but she refused his offer. Followi