1811-Jan.

1811-Jan. 10: Between 200 and 500 rebel slaves launched a massive uprising in Louisiana, marching on New Orleans and burning plantations along the Mississippi River. Authorities identified Charles Deslondes, a driver and “free mulatto from St. Domingo,” as one of the principal leaders of the revolt. The rebellion was eventually crushed by militia units under Wade Hampton, and the heads of executed rebels were displayed on high poles along the river. This event stands as the largest mass rebellion of slaves in the history of the North American continent. It demonstrated that the revolutionary spirit of Saint-Domingue continued to inspire armed struggle against the United States long after 1804.