Tula (Curaçao)

Quick Facts: Who was Tula (Curaçao)?

Subject:

Tula (Curaçao)

Known for:

Leader of the 1795 Curaçao Slave Revolt, a pivotal figure in Caribbean history.

Born:

1701

Died:

1795-10-03

Century / Era:

1701s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Tula (died 3 October 1795), also known as Tula Rigaud, was an African man enslaved on the island of Curaçao, in the Dutch West Indies, who liberated himself and led the Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795. The revolt, which began on 17 August 1795, lasted for more than a month. He was executed on 3 October 1795.

Career & Major Achievements

He is revered on Curaçao today as a fighter for human rights and independence. The Tula Museum is a museum dedicated to Tula and his revolt, and is located in the Knip Plantation where the revolt started. The film Tula: The Revolt (2013) is based on Tula's life story.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On August 17, 1795, Tula refused to go to work, and along with about forty to fifty fellow slaves, he went to his owner Caspar Lodewijk Van Uytrecht to plead for their freedom, to which they believed they were entitled. Out of force majeure, Van Uytrecht referred him to the governor in Willemstad to tell his story to him; the group under Tula's leadership left. The group moved across the island past various plantations, such as Lagún, Santa Cruz, Porto Marie, San Nicolas, Santa Martha and San Juan, with more and more slaves joining them.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1701: Birth of Tula (Curaçao) — Leader of the 1795 Curaçao Slave Revolt, a pivotal figure in Caribbean history.
2. 1795 (1795-10-03): Passing & Historical Legacy — Tula (Curaçao) passed away on 1795-10-03, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
3. 2013: 2013 Milestone — The film Tula: The Revolt (2013) is based on Tula's life story.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Tula (Curaçao)

True or False: “True or False: Tula's revolt was immediately suppressed by the Dutch authorities after the first week of resistance.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. The revolt lasted for more than a month, during which Tula and his followers successfully moved across numerous plantations, demonstrating sustained resistance.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Antonio de Ulloa — Historical peer (Died in 1795) (1795): Spanish Enlightenment figure, scientist, and colonial administrator.
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• 1701 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1701
• 1795 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1795
• October 3 (10-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 3

Frequently Asked Questions about Tula (Curaçao)