Robert Smalls: A Real-Life Superhero of the Seas!
WHO WAS THIS HERO?
Robert Smalls was an incredible American hero who, despite being born into slavery, bravely steered a Confederate ship to freedom during the Civil War, freeing himself and his family. He later became a respected politician, working hard to create a better future for everyone in South Carolina.
📖The Full Story
Born in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, Robert Smalls grew up enslaved, but his mother made sure he understood the harsh realities of slavery. At just 12 years old, he was sent to Charleston to work, where he spent years learning about ships and the Charleston Harbor, becoming a skilled wheelman (like a pilot). When the Civil War began, Robert was forced to work on a Confederate transport ship called the Planter. One daring night in May 1862, when the white officers were ashore, Robert, along with other enslaved crew members, took control of the ship. He bravely sailed the Planter past Confederate forts, giving the correct signals, and delivered the ship, its weapons, and his family and the families of the other crew members to the Union blockade, winning freedom for them all! Robert's heroic act made him famous and even helped convince President Abraham Lincoln to allow African-American soldiers to join the Union Army. He continued to serve the Union as a pilot, even becoming the first African American captain of a U.S. military ship, the Planter itself! After the war, Robert returned to South Carolina and became a successful businessman and a powerful politician. He served in both the state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives, where he worked tirelessly to establish free public schools for all children and fought for civil rights. Robert Smalls truly lived an extraordinary life, demonstrating immense courage and dedication to freedom and equality.
Did You Know? 🌟
1Robert Smalls bravely commandeered a Confederate ship, the CSS Planter, and sailed it to freedom, liberating himself, his family, and other enslaved people onboard!
2His incredible act of courage helped convince President Abraham Lincoln to allow African Americans to join the Union Army during the Civil War.
3After the war, he became a politician and helped create the first free public school system for all children in South Carolina!
