The Stono Rebellion (1739)
[Marker Front]
The Stono Rebellion, the largest slave
insurrection in British North America,
began nearby on September 9, 1739.
About 20 Africans raided a store near
Wallace Creek, a branch of the Stono
River. Taking guns and other weapons,
they killed two shopkeepers. The Rebels
marched south toward promised freedom
in Spanish Florida, waving flags, beating
drums, and shouting "Liberty!"
[Marker Reverse]
The rebels were joined by 40 to 50 more
during their 15~mile march. They killed
at least 20 whites, but spared others.
The rebellion ended late that afternoon
when militia caught the rebels, killing at
least 34 of them. Most who escaped were
captured and executed; any forced to join
the rebels were released. The S.C.
assembly soon enacted a harsh slave
code, in force until 1865.
Marker is on Savannah Highway (U.S. 17), on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
