Reknowned educator, reformer and abolitionist Charles L. Reason publishes his essay "Caste Schools" in response to unfair educational opportunities within segregated schools. Reason went on to successfully desegregate public schools in New York in 1873.

Author Hallie Quinn Brown who wrote "Homespun Heroines", a collection of women's biographical sketches is born on this date in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

William Still began to record his activities and involvement with the Underground Railroad and helping runaway slaves find shelter. Years later, Still wrote a book based on his activities with helping runaway slaves called The Underground Railroad.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed with only four Congressmen voting against it. The law allowed for federal martials to be fined for not arresting runaway slave, resulting in numerous false arrests. A slave-owner had to do nothing but give testimony in order to claim an individual. This led to an increased call for violent resistance to slavery among blacks.

In response to the Fugitive Slave Act, the Boston Vigilance Committee was formed, vowing violent disruption of anyone trying to return a former slave to the South. Member and abolitionist Lewis Hayden's home was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and he converted it to a fortress, threatening to blow it up if anyone attempted to take the runaways hiding there.