4.7: Dr. Rush, the Free African Society, and Philadelphia's Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

Send us Fan MailYellow fever devastated the nation’s capital of Philadelphia in 1793…hardly a center known for its tropical climate, but the disease nevertheless proved deadly.  Our focus today is placed on one individual, and one group: one was a Founding Father who was certain that he was correct about how to treat the disease, and the other was a society not yet one decade old whose members were tasked with assisting with the afflicted.  In today’s episode of History: Beyond the Textbook, our first of three episodes focusing on how slavery affected society during America’s Federalist Years, we’ll explore Dr. Benjamin Rush, the Free African Society, and Philadelphia’s Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.Key PeopleRichard AllenAbsalom JonesDr. Benjamin RushJohn AdamsKey EventsPhiladelphia's Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793We're back for Season Four of History: Beyond the Textbook!  This season will  focus on the stories of individuals who shaped "America's Federalist Era" in the years roughly 1789-1800.  The first six episodes will release every Tuesday from October 28-December 2, while the second six episodes will be released every Tuesday from February 17-March 24.   Catch up on Season One, "America's Colonial Era," Season Two, "America's Revolution," and Season Three, "America's Crucial Years," wherever you listen to your podcasts!Feel free to contact us with feedback or questions by clicking the "Send Us a Text" link or email us at: [email protected]