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April 1712

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Resistance
New York Slave Revolt of 1712

On April 6, approximately 25 enslaved Akan and Coromantee Africans set fire to a building in lower Manhattan and ambushed whites who came to extinguish it, killing 9 and wounding 6. Colonial militia suppressed the revolt. In the aftermath, 21 enslaved people were executed, some burned at the stake, broken on the wheel, or hung in chains, and 6 died by suicide before capture.

Events

  1. April 6, 1712
    New York Slave Revolt of 1712

    On April 6, approximately 25 enslaved Akan and Coromantee Africans set fire to a building in lower Manhattan and ambushed whites who came to extinguish it, killing 9 and wounding 6. Colonial militia suppressed the revolt. In the aftermath, 21 enslaved people were executed, some burned at the stake, broken on the wheel, or hung in chains, and 6 died by suicide before capture.

  2. April 6, 1712
    New York City slave revolt

    Enslaved New Yorkers set fires and fought back; brutal executions followed.

Resources from this period

Videos·1

Burning the City of New York, the Revolts of 1712 and 1741
Historic Hudson Valley