Beneath these very bricks lies a story. It is a story of courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Welcome to the Mary Ann Shadd Cary House.
This house was home to Mary Ann Shadd Cary from 1881 to 1885. She was no ordinary resident. Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a writer, abolitionist, and pioneering journalist. She stood as one of the first African American female journalists in North America. Later in life, she became one of the first black female lawyers after the American Civil War.
Born free in Delaware in 1823, Mary Ann Shadd was educated in Pennsylvania. Her father was deeply involved in anti-slavery efforts. He sheltered fugitive slaves in their family home. Following the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, she and her family moved to Ontario, Canada.
In Canada, she continued her fight for equality. Mary Ann Shadd Cary began publishing works to inform American blacks about life in Canada. This helped them decide if migrating there was right for them. This led to the creation of The Provincial Freeman. It was the first newspaper published by a black woman in North America. It was also the first by a woman in what is now Canada.
After the American Civil War, Mary Ann Shadd Cary returned to the United States. She resumed teaching and remained active in civil rights. Demonstrating her commitment to growth, she earned a law degree in 1883. She was 60 years old.
The Mary Ann Shadd Cary House stands as a reminder of her extraordinary life. The house itself is a contributing property to the Greater U Street Historic District. The Mary Ann Shadd Cary House is a three-story brick row house. It reflects the Italianate architectural style. Look at the corbelled cornice. Note the projecting brick hoods around the windows. These details mark its construction in the 1860s.
Beyond her work in abolition and journalism, Mary Ann Shadd Cary championed women’s suffrage. She helped establish the Colored Women’s Progressive Franchise Association. This was an early effort by Black women to organize independently for the right to vote.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication. She fought for freedom, equality, and the advancement of Black people. The Mary Ann Shadd Cary House was declared a National Historic Landmark on December 8, 1976. It is a testament to her enduring impact on American history. This house represents her life’s work. It reminds us of the power of one person to make a difference.