The title is taken from a handbill published and distributed by an abolitionist organization included a poem that called the Trans-Atlantic slave trade the “Crowning Crime of Christendom.” After the United States declared the importation of slaves illegal in 1808, the U.S. Navy was charged with the mission of enforcing the law. The U.S. Navy and British Royal Navy began patrolling the waters of the coast of West Africa to interdict ships carrying human cargo to the Western Hemisphere. The most productive period of anti-slaver operations came on the eve of the American Civil War when USS CONSTELLATION served as flagship for the seven-ship U.S. Africa Squadron 1859-1861. This presentation will examine the effectiveness of the Navy’s efforts and highlight some of the results achieved until the outbreak of the Civil War, and the need for warships in American waters, brought an end to the Africa Squadron.
Advance registration required. This Virtual Lecture will be held on Zoom.
Time: 7 pm (ET)
Location: Zoom Virtual Lecture
Cost: $15 per household for General Admission; $10 per household for HA Members, Military, and HA Docents
English 
Spanish