17.4 Slavery in Texas

Slave Labor Slaves made up much of the East Texas Population Most slaves did farm work On large plantations , slaves had specific jobs, with most of the men, women and even children working in the fields.

Slave Labor continued… Work began at daybreak Slaves ate breakfast in the fields Men usually did the heaviest work Lunch was eaten near the work place Planters expected slaves to pick many pounds of cotton every day An adult male slave could pick on average 150-200 pounds of cotton per day

Slave Labor continued… Slaves did other farm and household tasks. Men built and repaired fences, dug and cleaned out ditches and hauled wood Women worked as cooks, laundresses and seamstresses

Slave Labor continued…. By 1850, slaves made up almost 20% of the population of Austin, Galveston and Houston.

Slave Labor continued… Slaves who lived in towns did a variety of jobs. Men worked as blacksmiths and carpenters Women were cooks, babysitters or housekeepers

Slave Labor Continued Slaves helped to build the state’s transportation system, including docks, railroads and warehouses Some slaveholders hired out slaves to work for others A few slaves were allowed to keep part of their wages and buy their freedom

Slave Culture Slaves worked 6 days a week, but most had Sunday off. They spent spare time doing personal chores and tending to their gardens. Their food and shelter were often poor Slaves working on plantations often lived in small cabins with crude furniture.

Slave Culture continued Slaves spent free time with their families and friends. In the evenings they told stories or played games They held dances or gatherings on Saturday night.

Slave Culture continued… On Sundays, some slaveholders allowed slaves to attend church Slaves tried to worship even when it was forbidden. Urban slaves started the first African American churches in Texas Music was a huge part of the worship service

Slave Culture continued.. Music and religion were important in the slave culture. Slaves sang songs while working in the fields After work they played banjos or fiddles

Slave Escapes and Rebellion Some slaves were willing to risk their lives to escape slavery. Because of the likelihood of getting caught, slaves did not run away. Many slaves feared that they would never see family members again.

Slave Escapes and Rebellions continued…. Slaveholders severely punished those they caught as a warning to others.

Slave Escapes and Rebellions continued…. White Texans feared that slaves would rebel. One of the few planned uprisings took place in Colorado County in 1856. Slaves acquired guns and were planning to rebel and escape to Mexico Slaveholders learned of the plan before the rebellion could take place. Slaves were hung and whipped to death

Debating Slavery The Texas Legislature, which was dominated by the state’s planters, passed pro-slavery laws. Slaves could not own property or marry.

Debating Slavery continued… Encouraging a slave to flee or hiding a runaway slave were serious crimes.

Debating Slavery continued.. Some Texans supported abolition or an end to slavery. Some opposed slavery for moral or religious reasons. Others opposed slavery for political reasons, arguing that it went against the ideals of democracy and freedom.

Debating Slavery continued… Many Mexican Americans and German Americans in Texas opposed slavery. Elise Waerenskjold, a Norwegian writer and journalist spoke out against slavery.