Mary Ann Shadd Cary House facts for kids
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Mary Ann Shadd Cary House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Washington, D.C.
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1421 W Street, NW Washington, D.C. United States |
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| Built | 1881 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| Part of | Greater U Street Historic District (ID93001129) |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002128 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 8, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | December 8, 1976 |
| Designated CP | December 31, 1998 |
The Mary Ann Shadd Cary House is a special historic home in Washington, D.C.. From 1881 to 1885, it was where Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823–1893) lived. She was an amazing writer and a strong fighter against slavery, known as an abolitionist. She was one of the first African American women to become a journalist in North America. After the American Civil War, she also became one of the first black women to be a lawyer. This house was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It is also part of the Greater U Street Historic District.
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About Mary Ann Shadd Cary's Home
The Mary Ann Shadd Cary House is found in Washington, D.C.. It is on W Street, between 14th Street and Florida Avenue. This house is one of many brick row houses in the area. It was likely built in the 1860s.
The house has three stories and is three windows wide. It has special brick designs around its windows. From 1881 to 1885, this house was the home of Mary Ann Shadd Cary.
Who Was Mary Ann Shadd Cary?
Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a very important person in American history. She was a pioneer for both African Americans and women. She fought for equal rights and education for everyone.
Her Early Life and Education
Mary Ann Shadd was born in Delaware in 1823. She was born free, even though Delaware was a slave state. Her family was very active in the anti-slavery movement. Her father helped hide people who had escaped slavery in their home.
Mary Ann was educated in Pennsylvania. She first became a school teacher for African American children.
A Voice for Freedom: Her Work in Canada
In 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed. This law made it harder for escaped slaves to be safe in the United States. Because of this, Mary Ann and her family moved to Canada. They settled in Ontario.
In Canada, Mary Ann started writing to help other black Americans. She wanted to tell them about life in Canada. This way, they could decide if moving there was a good choice for them. This led her to start a newspaper called the Provincial Freeman. It was the first newspaper published by a black woman in North America. It was also the first newspaper published by a woman in what is now Canada.
Fighting for Rights After the Civil War
After the American Civil War ended, Mary Ann Shadd Cary returned to the United States. She continued to teach and work for civil rights. She believed strongly in equality for all people.
In 1883, she achieved another amazing goal. She earned a law degree. This made her one of the first black women to become a lawyer in the United States.
