The Thirteenth Amendment, prohibiting "slavery or involuntary servitude", is ratified as Georgia becomes the 27th state to ratify it. Following President Abraham Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Congress sought to expand abolition to all American states and territories.
Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.
