University of Groningen
American History: Documents: Dred Scott Case
Here you will find the primary source text of the case and the opinions of the Supreme Court Justices in the Scott v Sandford case which ultimately ruled on the constitutionality of the Missouri Compromise.
Library of Congress
Loc: Slaves and the Courts
Explore primary source documents of court cases that were influential in the slavery debate from 1740-1860. Read first-hand analysis of cases that changed the course of American History such as the Dred Scott Case, John Brown and much more.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Dred Scott v. Sandford
Excerpts from the findings of the Dred Scott v. Sandford case, 1856, with link to the entire case.
Virginia History Series
Virginia History Series: Virginia Antebellum (1800 1860) [Pdf]
From 1800-1860, America went through rapid growth and development. View this slideshow to see pictures, charts, maps,primary source documents and a detailed timeline of Virginia during the Antebellum Era.
Other
Project p.a.t.c.h.: Dred Scott v. Sandford
This resource presents the text of the case, Dred Scott, Plaintiff v. John F. Sandford, which was presented to the Supreme Court in December, 1856.
US National Archives
Docsteach: From Dred Scott to Civil Rights Act of 1875: Eighteen Years of Change
In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Dred Scott decision that African-Americans were not citizens of the United States. Yet within 18 years, Black Americans would not only have citizenship, but would be guaranteed the right to...
A&E Television
History.com: Black History Milestones
A detailed account of the history of African Americans is presented in this article. Divided by main topics or periods of time, the coming of slavery to America is the first focus. Followed by plantation life and escapes to freedom and...
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Freedom: A History of Us: A Fatal Contradiction Webisode 5
Webisode 5 - A Fatal Contradiction. The history of the United States is presented in a series of webisodes, within each are a number of segments.Included are links to lesson plans, teacher guides, resources, activities, and tools.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)
Learn about the Dred Scott decision and why it changed the course of American history even though many now consider it the worst opinion ever rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court. Includes full-page scans of the decision, a transcription,...
PBS
Pbs: Dred Scott's Fight for Freedom (1846 1857)
Provides information on Dred Scott and his fight for freedom, and the events leading up to the Supreme Court trial in 1857.
Other
Washington University: The Dred Scott Case
The records in this exhibit document the Scotts' early struggle to gain their freedom, and are the only extant records as it was heard in the St. Louis Circuit Court.
Curated OER
National Park Service: The Significance of the Dred Scott Trial
In this article from "The Old Courthouse" by Donald Dosch the facts of the Dred Scott decision are laid out. Read why the outcome of the case fanned the embers of the coming Civil War.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: The Dred Scott Trials: An Account
This article an account of the many Dred Scott Trials (1846-1854)in an attempt to be freed from slavery.