<P> The thirteenth amendment , abolishing slavery except as punishment for a crime , was passed by the Senate in April 1864 , and by the House of Representatives in January 1865 . The amendment did not take effect until it was ratified by three fourths of the states , which occurred on December 6 , 1865 , when Georgia ratified it . On that date , all remaining slaves became officially free . </P>
<P> The thirteenth amendment , abolishing slavery except as punishment for a crime , was passed by the Senate in April 1864 , and by the House of Representatives in January 1865 . The amendment did not take effect until it was ratified by three fourths of the states , which occurred on December 6 , 1865 , when Georgia ratified it . On that date , all remaining slaves became officially free . </P>
when was the last time slavery was legal
when was the last time slavery was legal
December 6 , 1865
December 6 , 1865