![]() ![]() His education came with the knowledge - and approval - of his claimed master Benjamin Turner. Whether this is a true story or pure fiction, Turner continued to be studious and increase his knowledge, including conducting a few experiments. This, in his telling of events, is what convinced Nat’s mother he was destined to become a prophet. In his confessions published in 1831, Turner began his tale by sharing a moment as a young child when he shared a story that, according to his mother, was an event which had occurred before Turner was born. Like I imagine most parents, Nat’s family felt the young boy was destined for greatness. Nat was different from an early age clearly smart and inquizitive, Turner learned how to read as a young child, holding the Bible close. His mother, Nancy, was enslaved and legend has it that when Nat was born, Nancy tried to kill him in order to save him from a life of servitude. Nat Turner was born on Octoin Southampton, Virginia. ![]() It is used to demonstrate the savage impacts of the institution of slavery - for both the enslaved and the self-titled master - a metaphor to illustrate the lengths to which one will go in order to pursue freedom and conversely, to maintain control of a way of life.īut who exactly was Nat Turner? What was his rebellion? And how did his failed coup impact the south, and by extension, the country? Turner’s rebellion is one of the most cited stories in antebellum american history. Their leader? A quiet, studious, religious mystic known as Nat Turner. In the middle of the night in August, 1831 a small group of enslaved men staged one of the bloodiest and most influential uprisings in American history. All in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. Each week, I am going to chat about a topic on U.S history and give you both the highlights and occasionally break down some of the complexities in history and share stories you may not remember learning in high school. My name is Alycia and I am a self-professed history nerd. I saw white spirits and black spirits engaged in battle, and the sun was darkened-the thunder rolled in the heavens, and blood flowed in streams-and I heard a voice saying, "Such is your luck, such you are called to see and let it come rough or smooth, you must surely bear it." Nat Turner, 1831.
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