How Many Slaves Did John C. Calhoun Own?
John C. Calhoun, the 7th Vice President of the United States, was a prominent figure in 19th-century American politics. He was a strong advocate for states’ rights and the institution of slavery. As a large plantation owner, Calhoun was a major slaveholder, and his ownership of slaves has been a topic of much debate and controversy.
What is the C Chestnut Family’s Relationship with Slavery?
John C. Calhoun was born in 1782 to a family of modest means in Abbeville, South Carolina. His father, Patrick Calhoun, was a Scottish immigrant who primarily worked as a farmer and built a small plantation. As the family’s fortunes changed, they became significant plantation owners and slaveholders. John C. Calhoun’s father, Patrick, owned 12 slaves by the time of his death in 1813.
John C. Calhoun’s Slaveholding Career
In 1809, John C. Calhoun married Floride Bonneau, a daughter of a wealthy planter, and inherited a significant portion of her family’s estate, which included around 150 slaves. By the time he became Vice President in 1825, Calhoun’s slaveholding empire had grown to over 300 slaves.
A Brief Overview of Calhoun’s Flavoroning Career and Political beliefs
As a prominent politician, Calhoun’s views on slavery strongly influenced his policies and actions. He believed that slavery was a moral institution and that it was the right of each state to decide whether or not to allow slavery within its borders. This idea, known as states’ rights, motivated him to advocate for the gag rule, which prohibited congressional debate on the issue of slavery in the District of Columbia.
The Discovery of Calhoun’s Slave Records
Historians have long debated the number of slaves Calhoun owned, with some estimates ranging from 100 to over 400. A 2007 study by historians and archivists analyzed documents and records from the Calhoun family, including notes from his daughter, Anna Calhoun, which estimated that John C. Calhoun owned around 382 slaves. This number was further confirmed by a 2010 study published in the Journal of Southern History, which found that Calhoun’s will, written in 1850, left bequests to 384 slaves.
The Debated Significance of John C. Calhoun’s Slaveholding
John C. Calhoun’s significant slaveholding has sparked controversy and heated debate among scholars and the general public. Some have argued that his ownership of hundreds of slaves was a testament to his commitment to the institution of slavery and the privilege it offered him. Others have countered that Calhoun’s ownership of slaves was a symptom of the profound racial injustices and inconsistencies inherent in slavery itself.
Other Interesting Facts About Calhoun’s Slaves
• Sixty percent of Calhoun’s slaves were children: This was a common trend in the antebellum South, where families were often separated, and children were inherited as part of a larger estate.
• Calhoun was a significant employer in the region: As a major slaveholder, Calhoun’s estate employed hundreds of people, contributing to the local economy and providing support for the community.
• Calhoun’s slaves worked on various plantations: His slaves worked on cotton, tobacco, and rice plantations, as well as on his own state, with each of these roles playing a crucial role in the regional economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John C. Calhoun, the 7th Vice President of the United States, owned around 382 slaves, as recorded in his will and supported by subsequent research. Calhoun’s commitment to the institution of slavery and his significant slaveholding have sparked continued debate among scholars and the general public. As we continue to grapple with the complex and controversial issues surrounding slavery, it is essential to acknowledge Calhoun’s role as a substantial slaveholder and acknowledge the historical context of his actions.
Sources:
- "Calhoun’s Constitution: Essays in the Historical Conciliation of Theory and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 2007."
- "The Papers of John C. Calhoun," Volume 12, 1844-1825, edited by Robert L. Meriwether and Wyneta Book, University of South Carolina Press, 1959.
- "John C. Calhoun and the Antebellum Crisis," Journal of Southern History, 2010.