Dred Scott Decision Timeline

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Harriet Scott dies.