On this day in 1807, Aaron Burr was arrested near the town of McIntosh, Alabama. President Thomas Jefferson had issued a warrant for Burr’s arrest because he believed Burr was trying to raise an army to overtake Spanish territories in North America, which Burr was allegedly trying to do. There was a concern that if Burr went into these territories, it could lead to a military conflict between the United States and Spain. Burr was brought to Virginia, where he was put on trial and acquitted. Please click on the link below to learn more about Aaron Burr… sir and his trial.

On this day, later in his life, Frederick Douglass celebrated his birthday. He was born into slavery in 1818, but the actual date of his birth was never known. Mr. Douglass is one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders and speakers in history. He escaped slavery in 1838 and eventually began to speak across the country and in England, denouncing slavery and urging abolition. His freedom was purchased by British supporters in 1847. Throughout his life, he became close with Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton as his crusade for equality for all never wavered. He wrote three autobiographies and helped to integrate African Americans into the Civil War, government, and civil service. He spent his entire life as a champion for equality for all, ensuring that “all men are created equal.” Please click on the link below to learn more about Frederick Douglass.

On this day in 1766, Benjamin Franklin warned Parliament that the Stamp Act passed in 1765, could lead to a revolt in the colonies against England. The colonies felt that they were being taxed without their consent or any type of representation in Parliament and believed the tax was unjust. Tensions began to rise and boycotts of products began to take place. Franklin believed that the cost that the colonies needed to pay for the French and Indian War was not possible to be collected. He pushed for a repeal of the Stamp Act, which took place in 1766. Franklin’s testimony was vital to the Stamp Act’s repeal. Please click on the link below to learn more about Franklin’s changing views on the Stamp Act.