Newton Knight: Fighting the Confederacy

Newton Knight, a Mississippi farmer, joined the Confederate Army during the Civil War but later deserted, realizing he had more in common with slaves than plantation owners. After being arrested and his home destroyed, he formed the Knight Company, a guerrilla force of deserters and escaped slaves, to fight against the Confederacy. Post-war, Knight lived by his principles, marrying a freed slave and leaving a legacy as both a traitor and a hero.

What motivated Newton Knight to desert the Confederate Army?

How did Knight's actions after desertion reflect his principles?

In what ways did Knight's life challenge the laws of Mississippi?

What does the legacy of Newton Knight represent in American history?

How do different perspectives view Newton Knight's actions during the Civil War?