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ELA: Historical Fiction Unit: Slavery

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Runaway Slave Flyer

What Did Slaves Wear?

Slaves were not supplied with a lot of clothing. They were barely supplied with one item that was decent enough to wear. If slaves were hired out, they usually received more clothing at this time; two suits, one pair of shoes, and one blanket. However, this was not a general rule; it could vary from plantation to plantation. On many plantations it was common for children under 10 or 12-years-old to go naked. Boys transitioned to breeches, or short pants, and then to long pants. Girls later wore adult dresses. Plain leather shoes and sometimes hats were also included in allotments.

ARTICLE: Colonial Williamsburg: African American Clothing

"Taylor - Slave of Col Hamilton as he arrived at the Fort." 1862