Slave Sales, and the Inspiration for Uncle Tom’s Cabin
In 1852 Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was published, offering the first glimpse of the horrors of slavery to much of the population of the northern states. This ultimately helped ignite abolitionist passions among many in the free states, and is arguably a key point in the build up to the U.S. Civil War.
Although many events influenced Mrs. Stowe to write her novel, including a claimed divine inspiration, many believe that it was a fateful 1833 trip to Maysville, Kentucky that first began the thoughts that lead to the novel. Living in Ohio Harriet lacked direct exposure to the evils of slavery. During her 1833 visit to Maysville however she happened to witness firsthand a slave auction at the Washington Court House (only a short walk from the house she was visiting). Seeing families split up as master’s sold their various slaves to different buyers provided a shocking first glimpse into what life much be like for enslaved people.
Looking at the grounds of the former courthouse, and knowing that men, women, and children were once traded here as common livestock, one can’t help but feel the enormous weight of that horrible history. Realizing though that the passionate distaste that was stirred in one young woman’s heart on this very ground would ultimately ignite the war that freed the slaves, you can’t help but feel as if you’re standing on holy ground. If you doubt the influence that this pivotal novel had upon calling our nation to war, you need only read the words spoken by Abraham Lincoln up meeting Harriet during the war. "so you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war."
Want to Experience this Adventure for Yourself?
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House: 2124 Old Main St, Old Washington, KY 41096
The Former Court House Site Coordinates: 38.615710848819816, -83.80848081199636
