August 26, 1839 — the Amistad reaches American waters
A U.S. survey brig seized the schooner Amistad off Long Island, carrying 53 Africans who had risen up against their captors. The case went to the Supreme Court, where 73-year-old John Quincy Adams — decades past his presidency — argued for their freedom and won. The Declaration's words, tested in court.
Common Questions About August 26
What happened on August 26 in American history?
In 1839: the Amistad reaches American waters. A U.S.
Why is August 26 significant?
A U.S. survey brig seized the schooner Amistad off Long Island, carrying 53 Africans who had risen up against their captors. The case went to the Supreme Court, where 73-year-old John Quincy Adams — decades past his presidency — argued for their freedom and won. The Declaration's words, tested in court.
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