Four Paths to Freedom in the Early 1800s

Something must have been unique about the Southampton County community during the first half of the 19th Century. Four men of African descent, born just a few miles and years apart, took different paths to find freedom.

The best known event, Nat Turner’s Rebellion, took the violent approach resulting in about 100 killed. The insurrection made the world recognize the harsh realities of enslavement; yet, brought stricter slave codes. Anthony Gardiner was able to ship passage to Liberia as part of the American Colonization Society. He prospered and later became president of Liberia. John Brown was sold away from his family into the Deep South. His enslaver’s cruelties prompted him to run away via the Underground Railroad. Once he reached safety in England, he published a book about his experiences. This book was one of many that helped to spread the truth about the inequalities of slavery. Dred Scott was born in Southampton County about 1799. He moved west with his enslavers and eventually filed a suit for his freedom which resulted in the infamous 1857 Dred Scott Decision.

Each of these stories are profound reflections by four men of African descent from Southampton County. They were all freedom fighters who helped guide the march toward emancipation.

Presented by John V. Quarstein is an award-winning Author, Historian, Educator, Preservationist, Speaker, and Director Emeritus of the USS Monitor Center at The Mariners' Museum and Park in Newport News, Virginia. John has received numerous awards for teaching, historic preservation, museum development and writing. John's deep interest in all things related to the Civil War stems from his youth living on Fort Monroe, walking where heroes like Abraham Lincoln and R. E. Lee once stood.

For more information contact Kent Lewis 850.449.4841.

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