In Search of Josiah Henson

Julie King

At the February 11 CCASM Meeting Dr. Julia King talked about Josiah Henson who was born in 1796, enslaved on the farm, La Grange, in Charles County, MD.  Although he left Charles County when he was 8 or 9, his formative years were spent here.  Julie shared the research gathered so far about where Josiah would have lived.   Josiah Henson’s 1849 autobiography, The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, influenced Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1851 novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Julie along with others in Charles County think it is important to remember Josiah.  Starting in May Julie and archaeology students from St. Mary’s College will be digging shovel test pits in locations where Josiah Henson may have lived.  She will let us know when they will be in the field in case some of us would like to volunteer or to just come by and see what is going on.

Dr. Julia King is a Professor of Anthropology at Saint Mary's College of Maryland and has talked to CCASM multiple times about her work in Charles County.

Attendance: 24