![]() NPS Photo Before the Civil War, enslaved workers in Charleston were very far away from most paths to escape. However, the Civil War created new opportunities for freedom: if an enslaved worker made it to US Navy gunboats or Army positions near the harbor, they could become free. Some of Charleston's hundreds of escapees are well known -- such as Robert Smalls, who sailed a Confederate vessel to freedom in 1862. Others did not gain fame, but secured a new life of freedom. By honoring Charleston's escapees, we recognize their bravery -- and their role in bringing America closer to its founding promises.
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Last updated: March 16, 2025