August 1831
Nat Turner's rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia (August 21–22, 1831) killed approximately 55–65 white people — the deadliest slave uprising in U.S. history. Turner led a group of enslaved people from farm to farm over two days before militia suppressed the revolt. Turner was captured October 30, tried, and hanged November 11. But the white response was catastrophic for innocent Black Virginians: militia and mobs killed an estimated 100–200 enslaved and free Black people in the days following — people with no connection to the uprising. Heads were placed on poles as warnings. Virginia then debated (and rejected) gradual emancipation, instead passing sweeping new repression laws.
On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner leads a rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia. Over two days, Turner and companions kill approximately 55–65 white people — the highest death toll of any US slave revolt. Turner, a deeply religious enslaved man who believed God called him to act, evades capture until October 30 and is hanged November 11, 1831.
Events
- August 21, 1831Nat Turner Leads Deadliest US Slave Rebellion
On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner leads a rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia. Over two days, Turner and companions kill approximately 55–65 white people — the highest death toll of any US slave revolt. Turner, a deeply religious enslaved man who believed God called him to act, evades capture until October 30 and is hanged November 11, 1831.
- August 22, 1831After Nat Turner: State Terror Kills 200+ Innocent Black Virginians
Nat Turner's rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia (August 21–22, 1831) killed approximately 55–65 white people — the deadliest slave uprising in U.S. history. Turner led a group of enslaved people from farm to farm over two days before militia suppressed the revolt. Turner was captured October 30, tried, and hanged November 11. But the white response was catastrophic for innocent Black Virginians: militia and mobs killed an estimated 100–200 enslaved and free Black people in the days following — people with no connection to the uprising. Heads were placed on poles as warnings. Virginia then debated (and rejected) gradual emancipation, instead passing sweeping new repression laws.
- August 21, 1831Nat Turner's Rebellion
Nat Turner leads the most consequential slave revolt in US history, terrifying the South into harsher repression.