Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass was an American writer, speaker, and freedom fighter. He was born into slavery in Maryland around 1818. He escaped and became one of the most famous abolitionists in history. His speeches and books helped end slavery in America.

Early Life

Douglass was born enslaved and never knew his exact birthday. He secretly taught himself to read, which was against the law for enslaved people. At age 20, he escaped slavery by disguising himself as a sailor.

A photograph of Anna, the wife of Frederick Douglass.
A photograph of Anna, the wife of Frederick Douglass. (Photograph first published in Rosetta Douglass Sprague, "My Mother As I Recall Her", 1900 / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Douglass wrote a famous autobiography about his life as an enslaved person. He gave powerful speeches against slavery across the United States and Europe. He advised President Abraham Lincoln. He fought for equal rights for all people, including women's right to vote.

Fun Facts

  • Douglass taught himself to read using newspapers and books he found.
  • He was the most photographed American of the 1800s.
  • He was the first African American to be nominated for Vice President.

Did You Know?

Douglass chose his own last name from a character in a poem. After escaping slavery, he became one of the most powerful speakers in America. Even people who supported slavery were impressed by his intelligence and eloquence.