Nat Turner

WHO

This is the story about the Life of

Nathanial “Nat” Turner

WHEN

Nat Turner was born on October 2, 1800. When he was a little boy (1803-1804), his mother heard him talking to other children about things that happened before he was born. That’s when she knew he had unusual powers. Benjamin Turner was Nat’s slave master. When he died in 1810, Nat became the property of Benjamin’s younger brother Samuel. In 1821, Nat ran away from his slave master and spent 30 days in the woods. Nat believed God told him to go back to his earthly master to fulfill his special purpose in life. Nat married Cherry Turner in 1822 but were sold to different people when Samuel Turner, their slave owner, died. Nat began recruiting for a slave rebellion in 1825 and on August 22, 1831 the slave rebellion began. They killed over 60 white people in 24 hours. Nat was caught on October 30, 1831 and confessed to the killings on November 1, 1831. He was tried and convicted of his crimes on November 5 they hung him in Jerusalem, Virginia November 11, 1831.

WHY

Nat Turner is remembered in history because of his hatred for slavery. He was a preacher who had several visions from God. Because of his rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, the South began to use “Black Codes”. The Black Codes said:

a. Slaves could not be together in groups more than 5

b. Property owners could testify in court

c. Blacks could not hit a white person

d. Slaves could not learn to read or write

e. Slaves could not buy or sale goods

f. Slaves could not have church unless a white person was present

g. Slave