Lewis Tappan

Lewis Tappan (1788–1873) is a New York abolitionist who works to achieve the freedom of the illegally enslaved Africans of the Amistad.

Contacted by Connecticut abolitionists soon after the Amistad arrives in port, Tappan focuses extensively on the captive Africans.

He ensures the acquisition of high-quality lawyers for the captives, which leads to their being set free after the case goes to the United States Supreme Court.

With his brother Arthur, Tappan not only gains legal help and acquittal for the Africans, but also manages to increase public support and fundraising.

Finally, he organizes the return trip home to Africa for surviving members of the group.

In addition, Tappan is among the founders of the American Missionary Association in 1846, which begins more than 100 anti-slavery Congregational churches throughout the Midwest, and after the American Civil War, founds numerous schools and colleges to aid in the education of freedmen.

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