apr 6, 1712 - NYC Slave Revolt of 1712

Description:

A slave uprising in New York City, NY. When New Netherland was captured by the English in 1664, they tightened restrictions on slaves' rights. However, in New York City, slaves were not only numerous (being around 1/5 of the city's total population), but also lived close by each other, allowing for easier communication to conspire against their masters. On the night of April 6, around 20 slaves set fire to a building and attacked the white colonists who tried to put it out. The rebellion was soon put down, with the militia capturing and jailing seventy blacks. 27 were put on trial, with 21 convicted and executed. 20 were burned at the stake and one was killed with a Catherine wheel, a punishment illegal to administer to whites at the time. An additional six committed suicide while in jail. The New York government proceeded to restrict slave rights even further. Slaves could not gather in groups of more than three, carry firearms, or gamble. Slaves convicted of rape, property damage, and conspiracy to kill could be executed. Slave owners desiring to free their slaves would now have to pay a substantial fee. Overall, slaves ended up in a worse situation after the rebellion than before.

Deaths:
9 whites
26 black slaves