John I. Slingerland was a New York farmer, businessman, and politician. He served terms in both the New York State Assembly and the United States House of Representatives.

The Anti-Rent War was a tenants' revolt in upstate New York between 1839 and 1845. The Anti-Renters declared their independence from the manor system run by patroons, resisting tax collectors and successfully demanding land reform. The conflict resulted in the passage of laws that made feudal tenures illegal and outlawed leases greater than 12 years.