Turner, Nat (1800-1831), led the most famous revolt by enslaved people in United States history. Turner was an enslaved African American and a preacher. In 1831, he and about 70 other enslaved people liberated themselves by killing 60 white people in Virginia. Among their victims were the family of Joseph Travis, Turner’s enslaver.
More white people died during the rebellion led by Turner than in any other revolt by enslaved people in the nation’s history. The Virginia militia captured and hanged 20 rebels, including Turner. In addition, white people seeking vengeance murdered about 100 innocent enslaved people. The rebellion caused the Virginia General Assembly to debate a plan to abolish slavery. The plan would have established a West African colony for people freed from slavery. But Virginia lawmakers ultimately rejected the plan.
Turner was born on Oct. 2, 1800, on Benjamin Turner’s plantation in Southampton County, Virginia. His parents and grandmother encouraged him to become educated and fight slavery. In 1825, he began to read the Bible zealously and to experience visions. He related these visions at Sunday services.
After his capture, Turner narrated a lengthy confession. He was hanged on Nov. 11, 1831. Thomas R. Gray, the lawyer assigned to defend him, later published Turner’s confession as a pamphlet.
