How many slaves were free during the antebellum period?

During the antebellum period in the United States, which lasted from the early 19th century until the Civil War, a small but notable number of enslaved individuals gained their freedom. By 1860, approximately 250,000 free Black individuals lived in the U.S., primarily in the Northern states. However, the vast majority of African Americans were enslaved, with around four million still in bondage by the time of the Civil War. The free Black population faced significant legal and social restrictions despite their status.