Amistad Revolt: 53 Africans Seize Their Ship

On July 2, 1839, 53 captive Africans led by Sengbe Pieh (Joseph Cinqué) revolt aboard the Cuban slave schooner Amistad, killing the captain and cook. They order the surviving crew to sail to Africa but are deceived and land in Long Island Sound, where the US Navy seizes them. Taken to New London, CT, they face murder charges and a prolonged legal battle.