Camden Parlor Talk: Whispers of Revolt

Whispers of Revolt: The Camden Slave Conspiracy of 1816

Presented by Brittney Evans

July 4, 1816 marked the 40th anniversary of white Americans declaring their independence. For several slaves in Camden it was supposed to be a chance to declare their freedom as well. Unfortunately, they were betrayed by one of their own and stopped days prior to the July 4th celebrations.

The Camden Slave Conspiracy of 1816 was stopped before it could become a revolt, but the arrests and punishments of the conspirators had long lasting effects not only on the enslaved people of Kershaw County, but throughout South Carolina as well. Join us as we look at the people and decisions that impacted future laws and revolt trials in South Carolina.