1854

 

The Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed by Congress, with Alexander Stephens playing a key role. This act allowed for popular sovereignty to decide whether each of the two territories would be free or slave, effectively nullifying the Missouri Compromise of 1820 - which had prohibited slavery (except for Missouri) north of a certain latitude line; the Kansas and Nebraska territories were north of the line. One of the results of the passage of this act was the rapid growth of the anti-slavery Republican party. The Georgia legislature passed a resolution supporting the act.

African-American educator Lucy Craft Laney was born in Macon, Georgia.

Former governor George Towns died in Macon, Georgia.

Future governor William Y. Atkinson was born in Oakland, Georgia.

A hurricane caused widespred damage in the Savannah area.

Further Information:

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Joint Resolution of the General Assembly: Nebraska Bill Approved

Kansas-Nebraska Act Details and Consequences

Savannah Hurricane History

This Day in Georgia History April 13.

This Day in Georgia History July 15.

This Day in Georgia History November 11.

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