Dred Scott Decision Timeline

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

1799?

Dred Scott is born into slavery in Virginia. The exact year of his birth is unknown.

1830s

Scott is taken to Missouri after being purchased by John Emerson. Beginning in 1833 Emerson undertakes several moves as part of his military service. He takes Scott from Missouri (a slave state) to Illinois (a free state) and then into the Wisconsin Territory (a free territory). Scott, who remains enslaved to Emerson during this period, meets and marries Harriet Robinson, who becomes part of the Emerson household.

Early 1840s

Emerson and his wife return with the Scotts to Missouri, where Emerson dies in 1843. Scott subsequently asks to buy his freedom, but Emerson’s widow refuses.

1846

Dred and Harriet Scott file individual lawsuits for their freedom in Missouri. They argue that their time spent living in a free state and a free territory mean that they are no longer slaves. The court decides that Dred’s case will go forward, and whatever decision a judge makes will apply to Harriet too.

1850–54

The state court in 1850 declares Scott free, but the verdict is reversed in 1852 by the Missouri Supreme Court. Emerson’s widow then leaves Missouri and gives control of her late husband’s estate to her brother, John F.A. Sanford, a resident of New York state (his last name is later incorrectly spelled Sandford on court documents). Because Sanford is not subject to suit in Missouri, Scott’s lawyers file a suit against him in U.S. district (federal) court, which finds in Sanford’s favor. Scott appeals his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

March 6, 1857

Dred Scott decisionLearn about Dred Scott and the controversial U.S. Supreme Court ruling on his case.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc..

The Supreme Court issues its controversial ruling on the case. The majority opinion is delivered by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. In essence, the decision states that Scott is a slave and as such is not a U.S. citizen and therefore cannot sue in a federal court. The Court’s further opinion that Congress has no power to exclude slavery from the U.S. territories and that African Americans could not become citizens outrages much of the antislavery North and satisfies many in the proslavery South.

May 26, 1857

Dred and Harriet Scott gain their freedom, after having been purchased by members of the Peter Blow family (Dred Scott’s original owners).

September 17, 1858

Dred Scott dies of tuberculosis in St. Louis, Missouri.

1861–65

The American Civil War, a conflict mainly about slavery, is waged during this period. After the Union victory, Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The amendment formally ends slavery throughout the United States.

1876

Harriet Scott dies.

Dred Scott Decision Key Facts

Dred Scott Decision | Key Facts

Dred Scott Decision Causes and Effects

Dred Scott Decision | Causes & Effects