Legislators passed a bill which read, “all free persons of color had to apply for a freedom license.” In addition to applying for freedom, Blacks also had to prove they met the requirements required to be free. This was nearly impossible. The law was passed mainly because Missouri slave owners were worried free Blacks would move into the state and influence existing slaves to rebel. A later law passed in 1847 was even more restrictive. It prohibited free Blacks from entering Missouri. It also outlawed the education of Blacks already here.
Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.
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