Mapping Rumored Rebellions in the South

This exhibit brings together a collection of articles about rumored rebellions in 19th century African American newspapers in the Accessible Archives. Referred to as “plots,” “conspiracies,” or simply “rumored insurrections,” these articles exposed certain kind of fears among 19th century enslavers—that enslaved people were actively trying to escape enslavement and that enslaved people, inspired by known rebellions like the Southampton insurrection, would attempt to evoke violence unto them. These fears were so strong that the rumors reported were often not investigated for the truth, but instead, reacted to, resulting in deaths by hanging for many. Even the mere “suspicion” (and there were many who were “suspected”) of someone being involved in a “rebellion” resulted in death. Coming from anonymous letters and people using pseudonyms like the “Floridian,” the credibility of these rumors get called into question. It is possible that some information was fabricated or misconstrued. Whatever the origin of these rumors, one thing is clear: the active plotting to escape or overthrow the system of slavery was a threat to the survival of that system.