Lt. Governor Aruna Miller joined the Maryland Department of Transportation, descendants, and relatives of Maryland native Frederick Douglass to
celebrate the unveiling of a new roadside historical marker.
The marker commemorates Douglass’ birth in Talbot County, self-liberation from slavery, and his work as an abolitionist, orator and human rights advocate. The event, held at the Talbot County Courthouse in Easton, marked the date of Douglass’ passing. February is also Black History Month and Douglass’ birth month.
“Frederick Douglass’ life and legacy continues to inspire all of us who work every day to protect our freedoms and fight for equality,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “I am honored to help unveil this historical marker which proudly displays where the great Maryland-born leader first started his journey.”
The roadside historical marker was installed at the intersection of MD 303 and Tappers Corner Road in Talbot County, near Douglass’s birthplace.
Frederick Douglass was born enslaved on February 14, 1818, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore at Holme Hill Farm in Talbot County. With the help of his future wife, Anna Murray, Douglass self-liberated in 1838. Wearing a sailor’s uniform as a disguise and with forged papers in his pocket, he traveled by foot, train, and steamboat from Baltimore to New York City. In freedom, he married and raised a family. Douglass became a staunch advocate for the abolition of slavery, traveling the country delivering powerful speeches on liberation and human rights. He returned to the Eastern Shore in 1878 and delivered his speech, “Self-Made Men,” at the Talbot County courthouse. He died on February 20, 1895.
“As we mark the 130th anniversary of my great-great-great-grandfather Frederick Douglass’s passing, it is both historic and incredibly moving to see a new marker placed near his birthplace,” said Kenneth B. Morris Jr, the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. “This recognition ensures that his journey from slavery to a life of purpose and transformative impact will never be forgotten. My family and I are grateful to the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Historical Trust for honoring his legacy in this way. May this marker commemorate where his story began and inspire all who pass by to carry forward his fight for justice and equality.”
