Nat Turner's slave rebellion breaks out in Southampton County

Background. Nat Turner, born into slavery in Southampton County in 1800, was a carpenter and preacher who, according to his own account, interpreted atmospheric signs as divine signals for revolt. Beginning in February 1831, he read such conditions as signs to prepare; after viewing the February 12 annular eclipse, he was certain God wanted the revolt to commence. Illness delayed a planned July 4 start, and an August atmospheric disturbance was another sign he interpreted as he prepared the uprising.

Outbreak. On August 21, 1831, Turner and his inner circle finalized plans during a meal. The rebellion began that day, resulting in the deaths of approximately 55 to 60 White residents. Turner led his men toward Jerusalem, the county seat, seeking weapons. The uprising was characterized by its lethality, becoming the deadliest slave revolt in U.S. history.

Suppression. State and federal troops suppressed the remaining rebel force at Belmont Plantation on August 23, 1831. Turner evaded capture for approximately ten weeks, remaining in Southampton County near his deceased owner's farm. He hid in a depression created by a fallen tree, occasionally leaving at night for water or intelligence gathering before being discovered by a dog.

Capture. Farmer Benjamin Phipps discovered Turner on October 30, 1831, hiding in a depression in the earth covered with fence rails. Turner was tried on November 5, 1831, for conspiring to rebel and making insurrection. He was convicted and sentenced to death, subsequently hanged in Jerusalem on November 11, 1831.