Captain Robert Smalls, the first Black man to command a US Navy ship, was an influential figure during the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era. Born into slavery on April 5, 1839, in Beaufort, South Carolina, Smalls grew up facing the harsh realities of slavery. At the age of 12, he was sent to work in Charleston as a hired-out slave.
During his time in Charleston, Smalls worked on the docks and eventually became a skilled seafarer. He learned to navigate the intricate waterways and harbors of the region, becoming intimately familiar with the Charleston harbor and its defenses. This knowledge would prove invaluable in the years to come.
In 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil War, Smalls was working aboard the Confederate military transport ship CSS Planter. The Planter was responsible for ferrying supplies and troops for the Confederacy. Smalls, however, had harbored a strong desire for freedom, and he saw an opportunity to escape the chains of slavery.
On May 12, 1862, in the early hours of the morning, Smalls formulated a daring plan. With several enslaved crew members on board, including his wife and children, he took command of the Planter while the white officers and crew were ashore. Wearing a captain’s uniform and imitating the captain’s mannerisms, Smalls navigated the vessel past Confederate checkpoints. He even wore a straw hat similar to the one worn by the Planter’s white captain to avoid suspicion.
Driven by fear of his family being sold, he made his move under the cover of darkness and amid heavy fog. Smalls carefully piloted the ship past Confederate forts, using the correct signals to avoid detection. As they passed Fort Sumter, Smalls faced one of the most nerve-wracking moments of the escape. He encountered a Confederate patrol boat and was challenged for the correct identification signal. Remaining calm, he provided the correct signal, and the patrol boat allowed the Planter to continue its journey.
Once safely out of Confederate territory, Smalls raised a white flag and sailed toward the Union blockade. The Union Navy initially mistook the Planter for an enemy vessel but soon realized the incredible feat achieved by Smalls and his crew. They were greeted with astonishment and admiration. Captain Robert Smalls and his crew had delivered the Planter, along with valuable information about Confederate defenses, to the Union forces.
Smalls’ escape and his knowledge of the Charleston harbor proved invaluable to the Union. He became a hero and a symbol of bravery and resilience. His daring escape also had a profound impact on the Union’s perception of African Americans’ abilities and their potential contributions to the war effort.
Following his escape, Smalls continued to serve the Union’s cause. He became the pilot of the Planter vessel and later served aboard Union naval vessels, participating in various military campaigns. After the war, Smalls returned to Beaufort, where he played an active role in politics during the Reconstruction era. He served in the South Carolina State Legislature and later in the United States House of Representatives.
Captain Robert Smalls’ remarkable story exemplifies courage, resourcefulness, and determination. He overcame immense challenges and risked everything for the cause of freedom. Smalls’ contributions during the Civil War and his subsequent political career remain an enduring testament to his remarkable legacy.
