Slavery in Platteville
The first in a series of three presentations by historian James B. Hibbard regarding slavery in Platteville. This presentation explored the Mitchell family, especially James Mitchell’s ownership of two young slave girls. A Q&A with the speaker followed the talk.
The second in a series of three presentations by historian James B. Hibbard. This presentation chronicles Platteville founder John H. Rountree's ownership of slaves. It looks in depth at the circumstances surrounding Rountree's slave ownership, his treatment of them, especially "Sister Rachel", and how he eventually became an antislavery Republican. A Q&A with the speaker will follow each talk.
The presentation highlights William Maxwell's career as a Black lead miner. Maxwell holds the distinction of establishing his own lead diggings in Platteville, where he employed four other miners. He was also the first Black man in Grant County to successfully use the court system to collect a debt. A Q&A with the speaker will follow the talk.
