Few African Americans in Solano 150 years ago

History column by Nancy Dingler The 1850 census listed 962 African Americans in California. Unfortunately, it does not break down how many were free or how many were considered slaves.Out of this number, 580 resided in Solano County.Many slave owners saw the California Gold Rush as a chance to extend slavery into Western territory. They felt little risk in bringing small numbers of slaves to California because they believed that the National Fugitive Slave Law, passed as part of the Compromise of 1850, would support their claims.Some slaves brought to California were given the opportunity to gain freedom through arrangements with slaveholders. Some were allowed to purchase freedom for themselves and family members, while others gained release from bondage by working for a specific period of time Full Story: http://www.dailyrepublic.com/articles/2005/02/19/features_top_stories/feat01.txt