The Remarkable Escape of Robert Smalls

Robert Smalls, born into slavery in Beaufort, SC, was influenced by the Gullah culture. His father was likely his enslaver, Henry McKee. Smalls worked in Charleston, developing nautical skills. He married Hannah Jones and faced the harsh reality of potential family separation. Unable to buy their freedom, Smalls planned an escape during the Civil War. As a wheelman on the CSS Planter, he devised a plan to reach the Union blockade, aiming for freedom.

What cultural influence did Robert Smalls grow up under?

• Creole culture

• Gullah culture

• Cajun culture

• Cherokee culture

What job did Robert Smalls NOT do while working in Charleston?

• Waiter

• Lamplighter

• Blacksmith

• Stevedore

What was the main reason Robert Smalls wanted to buy his family's freedom?

• To gain political power

• To prevent them from being sold away

• To move to a different city

• To start a business

What was the CSS Planter primarily used for during the Civil War?

• Passenger transport

• Fishing

• Carrying weapons and ammo

• Transporting cotton

Who was the captain of the CSS Planter?

• Henry McKee

• Samuel Kingman

• Roswell S Ripley

• Lydia Polite

How far was the Union blockade from the CSS Planter's dock?

• 7 miles

• 5 miles

• 12 miles

• 10 miles

What was Robert Smalls' role on the CSS Planter?

• Captain

• Engineer

• Cook

• Wheelman