Strong man Madison Washington was an enslaved African who led the Creole slave revolt in November 1841, during which 18 black slaves commandeered the slave ship, the Creole. This uprising ultimately secured freedom for 128 enslaved Africans.
Madison Washington’s early life was marked by the harsh realities of American slavery, subject to the brutal treatment and inhumane conditions that countless enslaved Africans endured. However, his spirit remained unbroken, and when the opportunity presented itself, he made a daring escape to Canada, where he found employment on a farm. His initial plan had been for both him and his wife to escape Virginia, but circumstances did not unfold as expected, leading to his solo journey to Canada. Yet, his burning desire to reunite with his wife, who was still in the bonds of slavery in Virginia, eventually led him back to the clutches of the slave trade.
Washington departed Canada for Virginia with the money he had earned from working in Canada, fueled by the hope of reuniting with his wife. However, his efforts to rescue her ended in bitter disappointment when he was apprehended and placed on the brig Creole, alongside 133 other enslaved Africans who were being transported to the unforgiving slave markets of New Orleans for sale.
Nine days into the trip, Madison Washington, along with 17 fellow slaves, embarked on a daring mission to secure their freedom. In a bold move, they rebelled, resulting in the death of the slave trader John R. Hewell and the subduing of the ship’s crew. Madison Washington, now in control of the Creole, set a course for Nassau, a British colony. This choice was significant, as the United Kingdom had abolished slavery throughout the British Empire in 1833.
Upon their arrival in Nassau, the British authorities faced a moral and diplomatic dilemma. The United States demanded the return of the enslaved individuals, but the British, guided by their commitment to abolishing slavery, made a different decision. They declared the enslaved people on the Creole to be free persons under British law, effectively rejecting American demands for their return.
Even though the British authorities initially declared the enslaved people on the Creole to be free under British law, they later arrested Madison Washington and his 17 fellow conspirators on mutiny charges. The case was presented in a special session of the Admiralty Court, where, much to the surprise of many, the court ruled in favor of the enslaved Africans, ensuring their freedom. In April 1842, they were released. The remaining 116 slaves, who had not participated in the revolt, were granted immediate freedom in the fall of 1841, thanks to the courageous actions of Washington and his compatriots. It is worth noting that five of the slaves who had stayed on the ship chose to return to the United States and face the horrors of slavery.
In total, 128 slaves achieved freedom as a result of Madison Washington’s bold revolt. This remarkable success is why it is recognized as the most successful slave revolt in United States history.
Madison Washington’s bravery did not go unnoticed. The abolitionist Henry Highland Garnet praised him in his 1843 “Address to the Slaves of the United States,” where he called Madison Washington a “bright star of freedom” and commended him for taking his place among the heroes of history.
The legacy of Madison Washington’s revolt extended into literature as well. Frederick Douglass, himself a prominent abolitionist and former slave, wrote a novella titled “The Heroic Slave” in 1853. The lead character was inspired by Madison Washington and bore his name. This novella is considered one of the first known pieces of African-American fiction.
I am very sad that I was not given the opportunity to enjoy such an inspiring story and others like this one, while coming up in high school and college. Positive stories of what minority’s did throughout history were not viewed as relevant by the decision maker’s of history books is the only conclusion I can come up with.