Nat Turner's Rebellion

Quick Facts: Who was Nat Turner's Rebellion?

Subject:

Nat Turner's Rebellion

Known for:

Leader of the 1831 slave revolt in Virginia, one of U.S. history's deadliest uprisings.

Born:

1800

Century / Era:

1800s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Nat Turner's Rebellion, historically known as the Southampton Insurrection, was a slave rebellion that took place in Southampton County, Virginia, United States, in August 1831. Led by Nat Turner, the rebels, made up of enslaved African Americans, killed an estimated 55 White people, making it the deadliest slave revolt in U.S. history. Nonetheless, the rebellion was effectively suppressed within a few days, at Belmont Plantation on the morning of August 23, but Turner survived in hiding for approximately ten weeks afterward: six weeks only leaving his hiding place "in the dead of night" for water; two weeks eavesdropping on the neighborhood at night for the purpose of gathering intelligence, and returning to his hiding place before dawn; and two weeks being "pursued almost incessantly", having been discovered by a dog. There was widespread fear among the White population in the rebellion's aftermath. Militias and mobs killed as many as 120 enslaved people and free African Americans in retaliation.

Career & Major Achievements

After trials, Virginia executed eighteen enslaved people accused of participating in the rebellion, including Turner himself; many Black people who had not participated were also persecuted in the frenzy. Because Turner was educated and a preacher, Southern state legislatures passed new laws prohibiting the education of enslaved people and free Blacks, restricting the right of assembly and other civil liberties for free Blacks, and requiring White ministers to be present at all worship services. Nat Turner was enslaved in Southampton County, Virginia, from the time of his birth in 1800. He began preparations for an uprising against the slaveowners of Southampton County. Turner said he wanted to spread "terror and alarm" among Whites.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

According to a report by James Trezvant immediately following the uprising, Turner's wife Cherry said that her husband had been "digesting" a plan for the revolt "for years". Turner began sharing his plans to a small circle of enslaved men living in his "neighborhood". Turner said, "I communicated the great work laid out to do, to four in whom I had the greatest confidence". These initial recruits were: Hark Moore, 30 years old, was the only other adult male enslaved on the Travis property with Turner. He took on a leadership role in the rebellion and was referred to as "Captain Moore" by other participants.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1800: Birth of Nat Turner's Rebellion — Leader of the 1831 slave revolt in Virginia, one of U.S. history's deadliest uprisings.
2. 1831: 1831 Milestone — Nat Turner's Rebellion, historically known as the Southampton Insurrection, was a slave rebellion that took place in Southampton County, Virginia, United States, in August 1831.

Notable Quotes by Nat Turner's Rebellion

“I communicated the great work laid out to do, to four in whom I had the greatest confidence.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Nat Turner's Rebellion

True or False: “The rebellion was initially planned to be a highly selective attack targeting only specific slave owners and their families.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While initial plans were strategic, the rebels ultimately engaged in indiscriminate slaughter to strike terror and alarm among the White population.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nat Turner's Rebellion