Nat Turner (l. 1800-1831) was a slave preacher and mystic who led the deadliest slave uprising in US history in Southampton, Virginia, in August of 1831.

Why did Nat Turner launch the revolt?

Turner was convinced, from a young age, that he was born for some great purpose, and he believed that purpose was the emancipation of the slaves of Southampton, Virginia. He may have been inspired by earlier slave revolts, but this is speculation.

How do we know about Nat Turner's life and the rebellion?

Almost all we know of Turner's life comes from "The Confessions of Nat Turner" by T. R. Gray, a transcript of an interview Turner gave Gray while imprisoned in 1831. The rebellion was widely reported in newspapers of the day and has been written about since.

How did Nat Turner die?

Turner was captured on 30 October 1831, imprisoned, given a show trial, and hanged on 11 November 1831. He was then beheaded, and his body was flayed and made into mementos like change purses.

Nat Turner's Rebellion Timeline

Definition

Nat Turner's Rebellion (also known as the Southampton Insurrection) was a slave revolt in Southampton County, Virginia, between 21 and 23 August 1831. Led by Nat Turner (l. 1800-1831), an educated slave, the insurrectionists killed at least 55 White people before the revolt was put down, making it the deadliest slave uprising in US history.

More about: Nat Turner's Rebellion

Timeline

1800 - 1831
Life of Nat Turner of Southampton County, Virginia.
c. 1810 - 1831
Nat Turner becomes convinced that God has ordained him to free the slaves of Southampton County, Virginia.
21 Aug 1831 - 23 Aug 1831
Nat Turner's Rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia.
30 Oct 1831
Nat Turner is captured and imprisoned the next day.
c. 31 Oct 1831 - c. 10 Nov 1831
Nat Turner grants an extensive interview to the attorney T.R. Gray which is later published as "The Confessions of Nat Turner".
11 Nov 1831
Nat Turner is hanged as the leader of the Southampton Insurrection.
22 Nov 1831
T.R. Gray publishes "The Confessions of Nat Turner" which becomes a best-seller.

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