U.S. Warship Renamed After Robert Smalls, a Former Slave Turned Civil War Hero
A US warship has been renamed to honor a Civil War hero with ties to the Navy, who escaped slavery by highjacking a steamship. He joined the Yankee navy, and eventually served 5 consecutive terms in Congress.
In 1839, Robert Smalls was born into slavery in South Carolina. He became a skilled sailor and was an expert navigator of southern coasts.
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An ardent advocate for African Americans, Smalls led one of the first boycotts of segregated public transportation in 1864. This movement led to the city of Philadelphia integrating streetcars in 1867.
Beginning a political career, Smalls was appointed a brigadier general of the South Carolina militia, and from 1868 to 1874 he served in the South Carolina legislature. In 1874, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served for five terms, advocating for greater integration.
Link - https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/u-s-warship-renamed-after-robert-smalls-a-former-slave-turned-civil-war-hero/
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I was unaware of this man and his contributions to our nation until finding this story. What a great article and very happy to see Mr. Smalls acknowledged for a life well lived.
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for honoring Robert Smalls.
