Delaware’s refusal to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution marked a significant point in the struggle against slavery in the United States. As the Union sought to abolish slavery after the Civil War, the amendment was proposed to address this moral and political crisis. However, Delaware, being a border state with a mix of pro-slavery and anti-slavery sentiments, voted against it on February 8, 1865. This decision emphasized the lingering divisions within the country and showcased Delaware’s unique stance amidst the broader context of emancipation efforts. The state remained one of the last bastions of slavery, allowing the practice to persist despite federal pressure to abolish it.

Once ratified on December 6, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment officially outlawed slavery in the United States. However, the fact that Delaware took almost four decades to officially ratify reflects the deeply ingrained societal attitudes towards slavery in certain parts of the country. It is noteworthy that the final ratification occurred on February 12, 1901—the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth—indicating a possible reconciling of the state’s historical legacy with the values of freedom and equality espoused by Lincoln. This connection symbolizes a significant moment of reflection for Delaware and its citizens regarding their history with slavery and their eventual acknowledgment of civil rights.