The Stono Rebellion of 1739

The Stono Rebellion of 1739 was the largest slave uprising in colonial British America. It occurred on September 9 in South Carolina, near the Stono River. Led by an enslaved man named Jemmy, a group of about 20 enslaved Africans seized weapons from a store, killed several white settlers, and marched south toward Spanish Florida, where freedom was promised to escapees. Their numbers grew to around 100, but colonial militia quickly intercepted them. A violent battle ensued, leaving dozens of rebels and settlers dead. Survivors were captured and executed, while others were sold into slavery in the West Indies. In response, authorities enacted the Negro Act of 1740, further restricting enslaved people's rights, banning their education, and limiting their movement. The rebellion heightened fears of future uprisings, influencing stricter slave codes throughout the colonies. But the defiant spirit of Black Americans would continue to demand their freedom.The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.#unhiddenblackhistory #NationalParkService #yourparkstory #NationalGeographic #unhiddenminuteBecome a paid subscriber to the Unhidden Minute Podcast for one year and receive a copy The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors 10th Anniversary Edition by James Edward Mills. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamesedwardmills.substack.com/subscribe