DANVILLE, Vt., April 18 – The U.S. post office here in the birthplace of Thaddeus Stevens was renamed today to honor the Civil War-era congressman’s pivotal role in the movement to abolish slavery. 

The Vermont native was a congressman from Pennsylvania and chairman of a powerful House committee during the Civil War when he steered the 13th Amendment to passage in 1865. 

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) spoke during the ceremony. 

“Thaddeus Stevens was a man who fought for equality and social justice with considerable political skill,” the congressional delegation said in a joint statement. “Naming Danville’s Post Office after Stevens will help generations of Vermonters recognize the important legislative battles won in the halls of Congress in the Civil War era. Stevens’ leadership during this tumultuous time in our history was invaluable.” 

Stevens was born in Danville, attended Peacham Academy and was instrumental in assisting President Lincoln to pass a constitutional amendment to end slavery. Sanders introduced legislation in the Senate to honor Stevens by naming the post office after him. Leahy co-sponsored the measure. Welch steered the legislation through the House.  

Stevens, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, also is credited with shepherding the 14th and 15th Amendments through Congress guaranteeing the right to vote for all men and ensuring equal protection of the law for all citizens.

The noon dedication at the Danville Town Hall included students from the Thaddeus Stevens School, located in Lyndon Center, representatives from the Danville Historical Society and the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania-based Thaddeus Stevens Society.