After their landmark U.S. Supreme Court victory, the surviving Amistad captives were granted immediate freedom and subsequently returned to their homeland in Sierra Leone, Africa.
Immediate Liberation by Court Order
On March 9, 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a pivotal ruling in the United States v. The Amistad case. This decision was a significant victory for human rights and determined their fate:
- The Court ordered the 35 surviving Africans to be freed immediately.
- Crucially, they were not placed under federal custody for potential transportation back to Africa, ensuring their liberty was not contingent on government control or further detainment.
This ruling affirmed their status as free individuals who had been unlawfully captured and enslaved, rather than being treated as property or criminals.
Return to Sierra Leone
Following their liberation, a concerted effort by abolitionists and their supporters ensured the Amistad captives could finally go home:
- Abolitionists raised funds specifically to finance the journey of the freed Amistad captives back to Africa. This collective fundraising was essential for covering the costs of their passage and resettlement.
- These efforts enabled the group, which included Cinqué (Sengbe Pieh), the recognized leader of the revolt, and the children who had survived the ordeal, to prepare for their transatlantic voyage.
- In late 1841, they embarked on their journey from New York, accompanied by missionaries. They arrived in Sierra Leone in early 1842, successfully completing their long and arduous ordeal and returning to their native land and communities.
For more details on the historical significance of the Amistad case and its impact, you can refer to resources like the National Archives.
