Gabriel Prosser's Plot

Gabriel Prosser and his brother, Solomon, were preparing for the farthest reaching rebellion in United States history. Inspired by the egalitarian philosophy that launched the Haitian Revolution, the Prosser brothers brought together enslaved and freed Black Americans, poor White people, and Indigenous peoples to rebel against wealthy White people. However, a combination of inclement weather conditions and the fears of a few enslaved Black men halted the rebellion from ever taking place.

Gabriel Prosser's Life

Prosser was born in 1776 on a tobacco plantation in Henrico County, Virginia. At an early age, Prosser and his brother, Solomon, were trained to work as blacksmiths and Gabriel was also taught to read and write. By the age of 20, Prosser was considered a leader—he was literate, intelligent, strong, and stood over 6 feet tall.

In 1798, Prosser's enslaver died and his son, Thomas Henry Prosser, became his new enslaver. Considered an ambitious man who wanted to expand his wealth, Thomas Henry hired out Prosser and Solomon to work with merchants and artisans. Prosser's ability to work in Richmond and its surrounding areas allowed him the freedom to discover the area, earn extra money, and work with freed Black American laborers.

Gabriel Prosser's Great Plan

In 1799, Prosser, Solomon, and another enslaved man named Jupiter stole a pig. When the three were caught by an overseer, Gabriel fought him and bit off the overseer's ear. Shortly after, he was found guilty of maiming a White man. Although this was a capital offense, Prosser was able to choose public branding over being hanged if he could recite a verse from the Bible. Prosser was branded on his left hand and spent a month in jail.

This punishment, the freedom Prosser experienced as a hired-out blacksmith, as well as the symbolism of the American and Haitian Revolutions prompted the organization of the Prosser Rebellion.

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Inspired primarily by the Haitian Revolution, Prosser believed that oppressed people in society should work together for change. Prosser planned to include enslaved and freed Black Americans as well as poor White people, Indigenous peoples, and French troops in the rebellion.

Prosser's plan was to take possession of Capitol Square in Richmond. Holding Governor James Monroe as a hostage, Prosser believed he could bargain with authorities.

After telling Solomon and another enslaved man named Ben of his plans, the trio began recruiting revolters. Women were not included in Prosser's militia, but free Black and White men became dedicated to the cause of insurrection.

Pretty soon, the men were recruiting throughout Richmond, Petersburg, Norfolk, Albermarle, and the counties of Henrico, Caroline, and Louisa. Prosser used his skills as a blacksmith to create swords and molding bullets. Others collected weapons. The motto of the rebellion would be the same as the Haitian Revolution—"Death or Liberty." Although rumors of the upcoming rebellion were reported to Governor Monroe, they were ignored.

Prosser planned the revolt for August 30, 1800, but it could not take place because of a severe thunderstorm that made it impossible to travel across roads and bridges. The plot was supposed to take place the following day on Sunday, August 31, but several enslaved Black Americans told their enslavers of the plot. Landowners set up White patrols and alerted Monroe, who organized the state militia to search for rebels. Within two weeks, almost 30 enslaved Black Americans were in jail waiting to be seen in the Oyer and Terminir—a court in which people are tried without a jury but can provide testimony.

The Trial

The trial lasted two months and an estimated 65 enslaved men were tried. Almost 30 of these enslaved men were executed while others were enslaved in other states. Some were found not guilty and others were pardoned.

The trials began on September 11. Officials offered full pardons to enslaved men who gave testimony against other members of the conspiracy. Ben, who had helped Solomon and Prosser organize the rebellion, offered testimony. Another man named Ben Woolfolk offered the same. Ben offered testimony that led to the execution of several other enslaved men including Prosser's brothers Solomon and Martin. Ben Woolfolk provided information on enslaved participants from other areas of Virginia.

Before Solomon's death, he provided the following testimony: "My brother Gabriel was the person who influenced me to join him and others in order that (as he said) we might conquer the white people and possess ourselves of their property." Another enslaved man, King, said, "I was never so glad to hear anything in my life. I am ready to join them at any moment. I could slay the white people like sheep."

Although most recruits were tried and convicted in Richmond, others in outlying counties received the same fate. In places like Norfolk County, however, enslaved Black Americans and working-class White people were questioned in an attempt to find witnesses. However, no one would provide testimony and enslaved men in Norfolk County were released. And in Petersburg, four free Black Americans were arrested but could not be convicted because the testimony of an enslaved person against a freed person was not permitted in the courts of Virginia.

On September 14, Prosser was identified to authorities. On October 6, he was put on trial. Although several people testified against Prosser, he refused to make a statement in court. On October 10, he was hung in the town gallows.

The Aftermath

According to state law, the state of Virginia had to reimburse enslavers for the loss of the enslaved men. In total, Virginia paid more than $8,900 to enslavers for the men who were hung.

Between 1801 and 1805, the Virginia Assembly debated on the idea of gradual emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. However, the state legislature decided instead to control enslaved Black Americans by outlawing literacy and placed restrictions on "hiring out."

Although Prosser's rebellion did not come to fruition, it inspired others. In 1802, the "Easter Plot" took place. And 30 years later, Nat Turner's Rebellion took place in Southampton County.