On March 12, 1862, Robert Smalls said that the next day he would be free or die. Smalls was born a slave. When he was 14 his owner hired him out to the owner of the steamship Planter. In the early hours of March 13, 1862, Smalls (age 22) using the knowledge he gained on the Planter to take the ship, his family, some co-workers and 4 confederate harbor defense cannons past Ft. Sumter to the Union blockade and freedom. (Tip: don’t leave the keys in fastest vehicle around)
On March 12, 1862, Robert Smalls said that the next day he would be free or die. Smalls was born a slave. When he was 14 his owner hired him out to the owner of the steamship Planter. In the early hours of March 13, 1862, Smalls (age 22) using the knowledge he gained on the Planter to take the ship, his family, some co-workers and 4 confederate harbor defense cannons past Ft. Sumter to the Union blockade and freedom. (Tip: don’t leave the keys in fastest vehicle around)
PS Smalls should be in Statuary Hall.