Nat Turner was born enslaved on a plantation in Southampton County, in southeast Virginia. He spent years planning a rebellion, claiming God had inspired him to "slay my enemies with their own weapons."

On this day in 1831, Turner and six allies kill the family that enslaves him. The rebels move from house to house, killing whites and freeing slaves. Over two days, the rebellion expands to over 70 people. Armed with knives, hatchets, and blunt objects, they kill at least 55 white people.

Militias put the rebellion down on the morning of August 23rd.

In the aftermath, white mobs retaliate by killing at least 120 black people. Turner and 17 others are brought to trial and executed.

New laws throughout the South will prohibit the education of the enslaved and restrict their rights to assemble.