Denmark Vesey (c. 1767-1822) was a free Black man living in Charleston, South Carolina, as a carpenter and community leader. A former slave himself, Vesey became involved in the antislavery movement and was accused of planning a large-scale slave revolt in 1822. He was arrested and executed by hanging on 2 July 1822 alongside five alleged co-conspirators.
More about: Denmark VeseyDefinition
Timeline
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c. 1767Denmark Vesey is born into slavery, likely on the Danish colony of St. Thomas.
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1781Denmark Vesey is purchased by Captain Joseph Vesey, a Bermudian slave trader and becomes his cabin boy.
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1783 - 1799Denmark Vesey arrives in Charleston, SC, resides there as Captain Vesey's slave for 17 years.
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Nov 1799Denmark Vesey wins $1,500 in a lottery, buys his freedom at 32 years old.
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1818Denmark Vesey becomes an early member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) where he begins preaching retribution against White oppression.
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Dec 1821Denmark Vesey allegedly begins planning his revolt, invites four friends to join the conspiracy.
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May 1822Denmark Vesey's conspiracy is uncovered; several suspects are arrested.
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22 Jun 1822Denmark Vesey is arrested after a two-day manhunt.
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2 Jul 1822Denmark Vesey is executed for his alleged role in planning a slave uprising, alongside 5 co-conspirators; 30 others would ultimately be executed in connection to the conspiracy.
