Tennessee adopts a constitution abolishing slavery

Background. Union forces occupied Nashville from 1862. Andrew Johnson declared all slaves in Tennessee free on October 24, 1864. This executive action preceded the legislative efforts to formally embed abolition into the state constitution.

Legislative Action. On February 22, 1865, the Tennessee legislature approved an amendment to the state constitution prohibiting slavery. This action occurred before the ratification of the federal Thirteenth Amendment, which Tennessee subsequently ratified on April 7, 1865. The state's legislative approval marked a distinct step in its internal legal evolution, separate from the broader national constitutional changes.

Ratification. The constitutional amendment prohibiting slavery was approved by voters in March 1865. It was scheduled to go into effect later in the year. This popular ratification confirmed the legislative decision, ensuring that the abolition of slavery was embedded in Tennessee's fundamental law through both legislative approval and direct voter consent.