In August 1860, enslaved woman Eliza Winston was brought to Minnesota by her owners, the Christmas family. While in Minnesota, she met abolitionists and free African Americans Emily and Ralph Grey. The Greys and others helped Winston to file for her freedom, since she was currently in a state that banned slavery. Judge Charles E. Vanderburgh granted Winston her freedom. The decision led to increased tension between the abolitionist community and the businesses that catered to vacationing slaveholders, since Southerners would be less likely to travel to Minnesota with enslaved people.

Most Minnesota History articles are at a higher reading level and are likely most suited for adults.