Missouri Compromise

Fugitive Slaves, Kidnapping & State Government Response

August 17, 2025 by Guest Contributor 3 Comments

Although not authorized to do so by a strict constructionist reading of the Constitution’s fugitive slave clause, Congress enacted the first Fugitive Slave Act in 1793. Northern states blocked effective enforcement of the federal law, leading to a southern outcry for more stringent legislation.

The sectional crisis precipitated by the California Statehood Act in 1850 provided the opportunity for passage of a harsher Fugitive Slave Act, which became part of the Compromise of 1850. [Read more…] about Fugitive Slaves, Kidnapping & State Government Response

Black History, Birthright Citizenship & Civil Rights

March 17, 2025 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

Very few protections existed under state laws for free Black people during the era of enslavement and their actions were strictly regulated.

In New York free Black citizens faced legal limitations on voting rights, property ownership, and social interactions, some for nearly a century after the abolition of slavery. [Read more…] about Black History, Birthright Citizenship & Civil Rights

The End of the Whigs: Thurlow Weed & The Birth of the Republican Party

October 13, 2021 by Peter Hess Leave a Comment

Following his political successes in the disputed Election of 1824, Thurlow Weed was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1825 and again in 1830.

In the 1820s, like many in Upstate New York with populist, anti-elite feelings, Weed strongly believed the Masons were trying to control government using secret means. He felt that political affairs should be conducted publicly and particularly opposed the fraternal secrecy of Freemasonry. An alleged conspiracy by Masons to murder William Morgan in Western New York in September, 1826 sparked the anti-Freemasonry movement. Weed began publishing the Anti-Masonic Enquirer in Rochester, NY in February, 1828.

Soon Weed was hired as editor of the newly formed Anti-Masonic Albany Evening Journal, which began publication on March 22, 1830. The move to Albany made him a statewide leader of the fledgling Anti-Masonic Party. [Read more…] about The End of the Whigs: Thurlow Weed & The Birth of the Republican Party

John W. Taylor: A Moderate Anti-Slavery Activist

February 18, 2019 by Lawrence P. Gooley 1 Comment

It’s hard to believe that the nation’s fourth-most-populous state (New York — nearly always number one, and in the top five since 1790) has only one native who served in the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Well, technically, there are two, but one of them served 99.82 percent of the pair’s total time in office — to be explained later. The man of the House is John W. Taylor, born in the town of Ballston in 1784. [Read more…] about John W. Taylor: A Moderate Anti-Slavery Activist

Missouri Compromise

We Need Your Help Now More Than Ever

New York Almanack receives no public funds.

It’s supported only by readers like you.

Please give today (a monthly recurring gift is best)