Biography of robert smalls

In the early morning of May 13, 1862, several enslaved crewmembers of the Confederate steamer CSS Planter boarded the vessel along with their families. Taking advantage of the fact that their white officers had left the ship against regulations, they successfully maneuvered the ship through the Charleston harbor, past Confederate fortifications, and to the Union fleet blockading the city.

The architect of this daring escape to freedom was Robert Smalls, whose leadership and courage would go on to make him important to the Union war effort and, afterwards, one of the most influential Black political leaders of the 19th century.

Smalls was born enslaved in Beaufort, South Carolina at 511 Prince Street in 1839. His mother was enslaved and worked in the home of John K. McKee, caring for his children. It is very likely that Smalls’ father was white. As he grew, his owners hired him out as a laborer and sailor, which eventually led to his empl

Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape ...

Robert Smalls (April 5, 1839 – Febru) was an American politician who was born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Andrew Johnson

Robert Smalls was an American war hero and politician who, during the Civil War, became the first Black captain of a vessel in U.S. service.

Robert Smalls - Life, Civil War & Facts - Biography

Robert Smalls was an enslaved African American who escaped to freedom in a Confederate supply ship and eventually became a sea captain for the Union Navy.

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Robert Smalls was an American war hero and politician who, during the Civil War, became the first Black captain of a vessel in U.S. service.

Robert Smalls: From Renegade Slave to U.S. Congressman

Robert Smalls - Wikipedia

Robert Smalls was born in 1839, enslaved by a local planter in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Robert Smalls - Essential Civil War Curriculum

Robert Smalls was born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina on April 5, 1839.