Robert Smalls' Bold Escape from Charleston Harbor

Robert Smalls, an enslaved man, planned a daring escape from Charleston Harbor by taking control of the Confederate ship, the Planter. With the officers ashore, Smalls convinced his fellow enslaved crew and their families to join him. Disguised as the captain, Smalls navigated the ship past several Confederate forts, using his knowledge of the harbor and the captain's routines. Despite a tense moment at Fort Sumter, they successfully passed through and moved towards freedom.

What did Robert Smalls propose to do if they were caught during the escape?

• Surrender to the authorities

• Blow up the ship with dynamite

• Return to the ship and wait

• Hide in the harbor

How did Robert Smalls disguise himself during the escape?

• As a Confederate soldier

• As a fisherman

• As a merchant

• As the ship's captain

What was crucial for Smalls to successfully navigate the ship through the harbor?

• A fast ship

• A map of the harbor

• Knowledge of security signals

• The captain's uniform

Why did Smalls decide against taking a wide berth around Fort Sumter?

• He was unfamiliar with the route

• The waters were too shallow

• It would look suspicious

• It would take too long

What happened after the ship passed Fort Sumter?

• They were immediately caught

• They were fired upon

• They turned back

• The alarm was raised