William Lewis (1751-1819)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Philadelphia judge, lawyer, and abolitionist, Lewis played an important role in the drafting and passage of the 1780 "Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery." It was the first abolition legislation in America. Lewis maintained an anti-slavery stance throughout his life as a counselor for the Pa. Abolition Society, defending the rights of slaves freed under this Act. Historic Strawberry Mansion, built in 1789, was Lewis's summer home.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
William Lewis was a Philadelphia lawyer and judge whose convictions helped end slavery in his state at the dawn of the republic. He played a key role in drafting and passing Pennsylvania's 1780 Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery — the first such law in America — and spent his life defending the freedom it granted, serving as counsel for the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. His elegant summer home, Strawberry Mansion, built in 1789, still stands as a reminder of the man.
Why it matters
His work made Pennsylvania a pioneer of legislated emancipation, launching the slow legal campaign against slavery that would define the nation for the next century.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia3.4 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center3.5 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center3.6 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center3.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Bridgette Mayer3.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History3.7 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir0.8 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.3 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo1.6 mi away
- Rocky Steps2.1 mi away
- American Bandstand2.8 mi away
- The Universal Sphere2.9 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King3.5 mi away
- Dunkin'3.6 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory3.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe3.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Mall Cafe3.6 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Time & Peace3.6 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia3.0 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center3.1 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- The Notary Hotel3.2 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA3.2 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia3.2 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City3.2 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · William Lewis
Related events
- · Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery (1780)
Themes & tags
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