Turner, Nat (1800–1831)

US slave, preacher, and leader of the most significant slave revolt in US history. Believing himself appointed by God, Turner led around 70 slaves in a rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia in 1831. Killing 57 whites in two days, Turner and his followers spread terror throughout the South. Although the revolt was crushed 48 hours after it started, it sparked both fervent proslavery and abolitionist sentiment.

Turner eluded capture for six weeks following the uprising, which so alarmed slave owners that repressive measures against the education, movement, and public meeting of African Americans were swiftly enacted. Widespread torture and execution followed. Turner was tried on 5 November and hanged six days later.

Born in Southampton County, Virginia, on the property of wealthy plantation owner Benjamin Turner, Nat Turner learned to read and developed skills as a carpenter. He became a popular preacher and was known among nearby slaves as ‘the Prophet’. In 1831 he interpreted an eclipse of the sun as a sign that he should start his revolt, and launched his revolt six months later, initially with only seven followers.