Stono Rebellion

Quick Facts: Who was Stono Rebellion?

Subject:

Stono Rebellion

Known for:

The largest slave revolt in South Carolina's colonial era, beginning in 1739.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Stono Rebellion (also known as Cato's Conspiracy or Cato's Rebellion) was a slave revolt that began on 9 September 1739, in the colony of South Carolina. It was the largest slave rebellion in the Southern Colonial era, with 25 colonists and 35 to 50 African slaves killed. The uprising's leaders were likely from the Central African Kingdom of Kongo, as they were Catholic and some spoke Portuguese.

Career & Major Achievements

The leader of the rebellion, Jemmy, was a literate enslaved man. In some reports, however, he is referred to as "Cato", and likely was held by the Cato (or Cater) family, who lived near the Ashley River and north of the Stono River. He led 20 other enslaved Kongolese, who may have been former soldiers, in an armed march south from the Stono River.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

They were bound for Spanish Florida, where successive proclamations had promised freedom for fugitive slaves from British North America. Jemmy and his group recruited nearly 60 other slaves and killed more than 20 whites before being intercepted and defeated by the South Carolina militia near the Edisto River. Survivors traveled another 30 miles (50 km) before the militia finally defeated them a week later.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1739: 1739 Milestone — The Stono Rebellion (also known as Cato's Conspiracy or Cato's Rebellion) was a slave revolt that began on 9 September 1739, in the colony of South Carolina.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Stono Rebellion

True or False: “True or false: The Stono Rebellion was the first major slave revolt in South Carolina's history.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Stono Rebellion was the largest, but not the first, major slave revolt in South Carolina. Slavery and resistance were ongoing issues throughout the colony's history.

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