Robert Smalls (April 5, 1839 – February 23, 1915) was an American politician who was born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina.

May 13, 2022 · 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. Robert Smalls pictured between 1870 and 1880.

Robert Smalls was born in 1839, enslaved by a local planter in Beaufort, South Carolina. By the time he was 23 years old, Smalls had won freedom for himself and his family, and was a famous war hero. He became a prominent leader in the community during the Reconstruction era, including service in both the state and national legislature.

Feb 4, 2016 · Robert Smalls The next profile for Black History Month, continuing our series celebrating the history and contributions of African-American politicians in federal government, examines the remarkable life of Robert Smalls: born into slavery but through his courageous actions achieved freedom and set a precedent for African-American service in ...

Aug 1, 2016 · Smalls brought the vessel out of danger and was awarded with an army contract as captain of the Planter. He was the first black man to command a ship in U.S. service and remained captain of the Planter until it was sold in 1866.

Robert Smalls (1839-1915) Brief Biography 1 by Myisha Eatmon. Robert Smalls was born into slavery on April 5, 1839, in Beaufort, South Carolina, to Lydia Polite, an enslaved woman, and possibly John McKee, her enslaver. 2 The McKee family held Smalls and his mother in bondage. When Smalls was 12 years old, the McKees sent him to Charleston as a ...

Jun 16, 2023 · Robert Smalls was ethnically Gullah Geechee, a society of African descendants along the coast and sea islands of the Carolinas, Georgia, and North Florida. And his familiarity with the sea would become his key to freedom via a ship called The Planter.

Oct 24, 2024 · Smalls was born a slave in Beaufort on April 5, 1839. He was hired out by his master to work in Charleston in 1851. He worked numerous jobs but had great skill as a sailor. When the Civil War came, he was impressed into piloting a Confederate steamer.

Nov 8, 2021 · Born into slavery, Robert Smalls (1839–1915) was a ship captain, businessman, advocate, and congressman. Learn more about Smalls through selected sources including books, manuscripts, speeches, and websites.

Jun 8, 2018 · Robert Smalls was born a slave on April 5, 1839, in Beaufort, South Carolina. Black people were taken from Africa and brought to North America to serve as slaves for white people beginning in the 1600s. The basic belief behind slavery was that black people were inferior to …