About Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass was born in slavery in Maryland. His birthday is assumed to be February 14, due to his nickname “Little Valentine,” given by his mother. The year was unknown even to Douglass, but it likely was 1817 or 1818.

Douglass told of his escape in several autobiographies, available online for free:

• Narrative of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845)

• My Bondage and My Freedom (1855)

• The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, Written by Himself (1881)