Skip to main content
Massachusetts State Seal
Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

From Slavery to Freedom: Plantation Owners

Before the American Revolution some members of the Tory elite in Massachusetts also owned plantations on Caribbean Islands.


A photo of Vassal House on Brattle Street, Cambridge.
Vassal House on Brattle Street, Cambridge.
- Massachusetts Archives

Tory Row
Brattle Street in Cambridge has been called Tory Row. An eighteenth century visitor would be impressed with the obvious wealth of many residents and the presence of African slaves. Some, in formal livery, drove the carriages of local grandees. Some of this wealth was derived directly from slavery. The Vassall House, later General George Washington’s headquarters, was built with the help of profits from a Jamaica plantation. The Royall and Oliver families owned plantations in Antigua. Elmwood, the official residence of Harvard University presidents, was the home of Thomas Oliver (just off Brattle Street.)

Elmwood, once the home of Antigua merchant Thomas Oliver Midnightdreary

Elmwood

Slavery at the Vassal House: In old age former slaves Anthony and Cuba Vassal petitioned the Massachusetts government for help: “The land your petitioners now improve is not sufficient to supply them with such vegetables as are necessary for their family.” In a second document John Hancock approved the payment of twelve pounds for each.

Slavery at the Vassal House 

Antigua
During the early colonial period the islands of the West Indies were seen as a more important asset than mainland colonies. Today, Antigua (pronounced An-tee-ga) is developing its tourist industry but its early history is palpable. “Nelson’s Dockyard” at English Harbor would not accommodate a modern navy but great power was projected from small island outposts like this. Sugar plantations also created great wealth for owners in England, and some in Massachusetts.

This nineteenth century image illustrates the rum trade on Antigua. Seventeenth century Massachusetts merchants traded with Antigua and other islands including Barbados, and Jamaica.

The rum trade on Antigua

Martha Washington
 When young George Washington married wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis, he became one of the richest men in America. Her fortune was derived in part from Antigua sugar plantations. Her late husband’s grandfather, Daniel Parke, was the island’s unpopular and tyrannical governor, murdered by white colonists.

A painted portrait of Martha Washington
 Martha Washington