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Contribution #337 of 365
Alethia “Lethe” Tanner
Vegetable Market Entrepreneur in Early Washington
1800s–1860s
The contribution
How this work helped shape America
Born enslaved in Maryland, Alethia “Lethe” Tanner sold vegetables in Washington's public markets and accumulated earnings that enabled her to purchase freedom in 1810. She continued trading, acquired property and helped secure freedom for relatives while supporting Black schools and religious institutions. Tanner transformed market labor into family liberation, property and community investment.