To the white residents of Southampton County, it came as a surprise that a slave named Nat Turner was the leader of a slave rebellion that resulted in the deaths of 55 white people. This rebellion, which Turner believed was directed by God, became one of the most famous slave insurrections in U.S. history.
Nat Turner’s Unusual Characteristics
Nat Turner was born in Southampton County, Virginia on October 2, 1800. As a young boy, Turner was recognized as being highly intelligent. His unique sense was noticed when he was about three or four years old. While he was playing with other children, his mother overheard him telling them about something that had happened before he was born. She asked him details about the incident, and it confirmed that he knew about this past event. From thereafter, other slaves believed that in addition to his unique perception, his physical markings were a sign that he would be a prophet.
Nat Turner’s Visions
In adulthood, Turner became a preacher. As a young man, he began having visions that he believed were from God. Turner had three visions prior to the 1831 rebellion. His first vision occurred in 1821 after he had run away. While hiding out in the woods, he was prompted by a vision to return to his master. After thirty days in the woods, he returned.His second vision came in 1825 after seeing lights in the sky. He prayed to find out what it meant. He believed that his prayers were answered when he saw ". . . drops of blood on the corn, as though it were dew from heaven.” He believed that this was a sign that Jesus was returning to earth as dew and judgment day was soon.
On May 12, 1828, he had his third vision. He believed that the Spirit spoke to him and told him to fight the “Serpent.” According to his vision, a sign from heaven would reveal when the revolt should take place. In February 1831, an eclipse of the sun occurred, and Turner believed that this was a sign to begin planning. He told four other slaves, and they planned the attack for July 4. When the time came, however, Turner got sick so the rebellion was canceled.
The Rebellion
The plans were postponed until August 20, 1831. On that evening, Turner and six other men met in the woods. At 2:00 a.m., they went to the home of Turner’s master. They killed his master's entire family. Then they went house-to-house, killing other whites. In the process, they gained the assistance of fifty to sixty slaves who helped kill at least 55 white people.The rebellion ended when the militia began pursuing Turner and the other slaves. During the pursuit, some slaves were captured and about 15 were hanged. Turner escaped and hid out for about six weeks until he was captured. He was imprisoned, and was sentenced to execution on November 5, 1831. While in prison, he dictated his confession to Thomas R. Gray. On November 11, 1831, he was hanged and skinned.
Nat Turner’s Confession
The following text is Nat Turner's confession, as it was dictated to Thomas R. Gray and published in 1831 in The Confessions of Nat Turner, The Leader of the Late Insurrection, in Southampton, VA.
