Smalls, Robert (1839-1915), was an African American who became a Union hero during the American Civil War (1861-1865). He later had a successful political career.
Smalls was born into slavery on April 5, 1839, in Beaufort, South Carolina. He became an expert pilot of boats, and his owner allowed him to work on boats in and around Charleston (South Carolina) Harbor. The outbreak of the Civil War gave him the chance to win his freedom. In 1861, Smalls worked on board the steamer Planter, which was hired by the Confederacy as a supply vessel. In 1862, Smalls guided the ship out of Charleston Harbor and delivered it to Union officials. He then piloted the Planter and later became its captain.
From 1868 to 1875, Smalls served in the South Carolina legislature, where he argued for public education for both Black and white people. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1875 to 1879 and from 1882 to 1887. Smalls died on Feb. 22, 1915.
