African American History in Bexar County Infographic

The post-Civil War era in San Antonio witnessed the harsh realities of slavery, the resilience of abolitionist voices, the jubilation of emancipation, and the daunting challenges faced by freedmen striving for socio-economic mobility. This infographic provides a snapshot of the multifaceted journey from bondage to a new era of freedom, highlighting the perseverance and struggles of a community reshaping its identity amidst adversity.

Thesis Statment

Quote: "67% consigned to unskilled occupations, barely one in five pursuing skilled or nonmanual work."

Quote: "Soldiers, all of a sudden, was everywhere – comin’ in bunches, crossin’ and walkin’ and ridin’."

Quote: "Germans passed a resolution condemning slavery and calling for its termination."

Quote: "Soldiers, all of a sudden, was everywhere – comin’ in bunches, crossin’ and walkin’ and ridin’."

Quote: "They'd tie 'em down on a log or up to a post and whip 'em till the blisters rose..."

Data: Barely one in five African Americans in skilled occupations (1870). Fact: Struggles in upward social mobility, limited skilled opportunities.

Data: Numerous slave auctions at Main Plaza. Fact: Heartbreaking stories of families torn apart during auctions.

Data: Relatively few Bexar households had abolitionist sentiments. Fact: Adolph Douai faced threats for opposing slavery.

Data: Emancipation in San Antonio on August 13th, 1865. Fact: Urban migration surged post-emancipation.

Post-Emancipation Challenges

Slave Auctions and Family Separation

Abolitionist Voices

Day of Jubilee

Slavery Conditions

Data: 1 in 20 Bexar households had enslaved individuals (1860). Fact: Enslaved individuals faced curfews, weapon bans, and restrictions on daily activities.

A Glimpse into Post-Civil War San Antonio: Challenges and Triumphs"