Video: 'Looking at Nat Turner's Legacy | Explorer'

(Sunday, August 21, 1831, evening local time; during Nat Turner’s slave rebellion, part of the origins of the American Civil War and North American revolts of enslaved people) — Nat Turner’s Rebellion, a rebellion of enslaved Virginians led by Nat Turner began today in Southampton County, Virginia. The rebels would kill between 55 and 65 people, at least 51 of whom were white.

The rebellion was put down within a few days, but Turner survived in hiding for more than two months afterwards. The rebellion was effectively suppressed at Belmont Plantation on the morning of Aug. 23, 1831.

Video: '"Possession" - Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion 1831 - Short Film HD'

There was widespread fear in the aftermath, and militias organized in retaliation to the rebels. The state executed 56 enslaved people accused of being part of the rebellion, and many non-participant enslaved individuals were punished in the frenzy. Approximately 120 enslaved people and free blacks were killed by militias and mobs in the area.

State legislatures passed new laws prohibiting education of enslaved people and free black people restricting rights of assembly and other civil liberties for free black people, and requiring white ministers to be present at all worship services.