Yes, Robert Smalls did have a notable nickname.
The Nickname of Robert Smalls
Robert Smalls, an influential figure in American history and a former enslaved person, was famously nicknamed The Boat Thief. This moniker perfectly encapsulated his audacious act of liberation during the American Civil War.
Origin of "The Boat Thief"
The nickname "The Boat Thief" originated from a pivotal moment in Robert Smalls' life in 1862. During this time, he was enslaved and working on a Confederate transport ship named the CSS Planter in Charleston, South Carolina. In a daring and meticulously planned escape, Smalls, along with other enslaved individuals and their families, commandeered the vessel. He navigated it through Confederate-controlled waters, past fortified positions like Fort Sumter, and ultimately delivered the ship to the Union blockade.
This courageous act not only secured freedom for himself and his family but also provided the Union forces with valuable intelligence and the Confederate ship itself. His incredible bravery and skill in seizing and delivering the Planter to freedom cemented "The Boat Thief" as his enduring and significant nickname.
| Nickname | Origin Story | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| The Boat Thief | In 1862, as an enslaved man, Robert Smalls seized control of the Confederate transport ship CSS Planter and sailed it to freedom, delivering the vessel to the Union forces. | Symbolized his daring escape from slavery, his strategic brilliance, and his pivotal contribution to the Union cause, establishing him as a hero and influential figure in the struggle for freedom. Learn more about Robert Smalls' life and contributions on the National Park Service website. |
This act of defiance and self-liberation marked him as a man of extraordinary courage and ingenuity, setting the stage for his subsequent career as a Union hero, legislator, and advocate for African American rights during the Reconstruction era.
