Ona Judge: Biography of the Enslaved Woman Who Escaped George Washington’s Household

Ona Judge was born into slavery in the late 1700s. She served as a personal attendant in George Washington’s home. In 1796 she fled the President’s residence in Philadelphia. Her escape sparked a legal battle that drew national attention. Judge lived the remainder of her life as a free woman. Historians view her story as a symbol of resistance. Her legacy informs discussions of slavery and liberty. Recent scholarship continues to examine her impact.