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Wendell Phillips
Boston (Massachusetts), United States
Archival Overview
Renowned American orator known as 'Abolition's Golden Trumpet', who abandoned his elite legal career to become the foremost orator of the American abolitionist movement, succeeding Garrison as president of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
Biographical Record
Wendell Phillips (1811–1884) was born into Boston's patrician elite and graduated from Harvard Law School. In 1837, outraged by the murder of anti-slavery editor Elijah Lovejoy, Phillips leapt to the stage at Faneuil Hall to deliver an impromptu oratorical masterpiece defending free speech and universal liberty.
Refusing to practice law under a Constitution he viewed as compromised by slavery, Phillips toured the country for three decades. Following the Civil War and the 13th Amendment, he championed the 14th and 15th Amendments, eight-hour workdays for industrial laborers, women's suffrage, and Native American citizenship.
Key Life Milestones
Historic Faneuil Hall Address
Delivered his breakout speech in Boston defending free speech and denouncing the murder of Elijah Lovejoy.
President of the American Anti-Slavery Society
Succeeded William Lloyd Garrison to ensure full civil rights, voting rights, and land for freedmen.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialMilton (Massachusetts), United States