Robert Smalls was born on May 4, 1839, in Beaufort, South Carolina, to Lydia Polite. He spent his youth as a slave on the plantation of Henry McKee. Despite his circumstances, Smalls showed intelligence and resourcefulness from a young age.
During his late childhood and early teenage years, Smalls began learning the rigging and sail-making trades while working dockside. These skills would prove invaluable to him later in life.
One of the most defining moments of Smalls' life occurred during the American Civil War. In 1862, while still enslaved, he orchestrated a daring plan to steal a Confederate vessel, the CSS Planter. On May 13 of that year, Smalls, along with several other enslaved individuals, sailed the ship past Confederate guards and out to Union forces waiting in the waters off Charleston, South Carolina.
This act of bravery not only secured Smalls and his companions their freedom but also provided vital intelligence to the Union Navy. For his courageous actions, Smalls was hailed as a hero and received a prize of over $1,000 from President Abraham Lincoln.
Following the Civil War, Robert Smalls embarked on a successful political career. In the 1880s, he represented South Carolina's fifth and seventh districts in the United States House of Representatives. As a lawmaker, Smalls advocated for civil rights and equality for all Americans, regardless of race.
In 1856, Smalls married Hannah Jones, with whom he had a daughter named Elizabeth and a son named Robert, Jr. Despite the challenges they faced as African Americans in post-Civil War America, the Smalls family remained united and resilient.
Robert Smalls' legacy as a war hero and trailblazing politician lives on to this day. His courage and determination in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations of Americans. Through his actions, Smalls helped pave the way for greater equality and justice in the United States.
Robert Smalls passed away on February 23, 1915, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and dedication to justice. His story serves as a reminder of the power of one individual to effect positive change in the world.