Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863 (National Archives Identifier: 299998); Presidential Proclamations, 1791-1991; Record Group 11; General Records of the United States Government; National Archives.
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, announcing, "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious areas "are, and henceforward shall be free."
View the complete Emancipation Proclamation...