Robert Smalls’ remarkable journey from a life of enslavement to becoming the first Black U.S. Navy captain is one that inspires courage, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to freedom.
A Childhood in Bondage: From House Slave to Charleston Laborer
Born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina, on April 5, 1839, Robert Smalls initially served as a house slave until the age of 12. His fate took a turn when he was sent to Charleston to work as a waiter, ship rigger, and sailor under the ownership of John K. McKee.
Enduring years of labor, Smalls negotiated at the age of 18 to retain the majority of his monthly pay, enabling him to save funds.
Seizing Freedom: The Daring Escape Aboard the Planter
In 1861, Smalls became a deckhand on the Confederate transport steamer Planter, captained by General Roswell Ripley. On May 13, 1862, seizing a moment of opportunity, Smalls orchestrated a daring escape by commandeering the Planter, loaded with his family and other enslaved individuals.
Guiding the ship through Confederate forts, he presented it to a Union blockade ship, raising the white flag of surrender and delivering valuable naval assets to the Union Navy.
Pioneering Achievements: From Captain of the Planter to US Navy Pilot
Smalls’ audacious feat played a pivotal role in convincing President Abraham Lincoln to consider African Americans in the Union Army.
After a speaking tour to recruit black soldiers, Smalls returned to pilot the Planter, converted into a Union war vessel, and was promoted to captain in December 1863, becoming the first African American to hold such a rank in U.S. Navy history.
Political Legacy and Later Years
Post-Civil War, Smalls entered politics as a Republican, serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives, Senate, and the United States House of Representatives.
Following his political career, he became the U.S. Collector of Customs and returned to Beaufort, South Carolina, where he once lived in slavery. Robert Smalls passed away on February 22, 1915, leaving behind a legacy of courage, leadership, and trailblazing accomplishments.
