Escaping the Chains: Personal Accounts of Slavery in Tennessee

Slavery, one of the darkest chapters in human history, casts a long shadow that still persists in our collective memory. Its impact resonates through generations, leaving behind scars that have yet to fully heal. Tennessee, a state deeply entwined with the history of slavery, holds countless personal accounts that shed light on the experiences endured by those held in bondage. In this article, we delve into some of these stories to unveil the harsh realities faced by enslaved individuals in Tennessee.

The Journey to Freedom

Slavery in Tennessee began in the late 18th century, with the state's economy heavily reliant on agriculture. The enslavement of Africans and African Americans played a central role in maintaining the profitability of plantations and farms across the state.

As the abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 19th century, escaping slavery became a beacon of hope for many enslaved individuals. Their stories showcase tremendous courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Mighty Rough Times, I tell You: Personal Accounts of Slavery in Tennessee

by Charlotte Collins (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	364 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	183 pages

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Mary's Escape

One such tale is that of Mary, a young woman who dared to dream of freedom. Born into slavery on a Tennessee plantation, she witnessed the brutality and dehumanization endured by her fellow enslaved individuals.

Driven by a burning desire for a better life, Mary began plotting her escape. It took years of secretly learning to read and write, forging alliances with sympathetic individuals, and waiting for the perfect moment before her plan could be set in motion.

One moonlit night, using knowledge obtained through underground networks, Mary fled the plantation. She trekked through dense forests, wary of the patrolling slave catchers, and persevered through hunger and exhaustion. Finally, she crossed the state border, reaching a free state where her journey to claiming her newfound freedom began.

William's Ordeal

William's account paints a vivid picture of the horrors endured by those trapped in the clutches of slavery. Born into bondage on a Tennessee cotton plantation, his life was a never-ending cycle of labor and abuse.

Chains marred his body, but couldn't extinguish the fire in his spirit. Overwhelmed by the injustices he witnessed daily, he made a daring attempt to escape. Crawling on his hands and knees under the cover of darkness, he navigated treacherous territory to evade his captors.

William's harrowing journey took him through unfamiliar lands, where he had to rely on the kindness of strangers to survive. After countless close calls, he reached the underground railroad, a network of sympathetic individuals who provided assistance to fleeing slaves.

Guided by abolitionists, William eventually found freedom in Canada. His tale serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedies endured by so many, and the lengths individuals went to reclaim their humanity.

Legacy and Lessons Learned

These personal accounts offer a glimpse into the profound impact that slavery had on individuals' lives in Tennessee. They remind us of the resilience and determination exhibited by those who fought for freedom, but they also highlight the immense suffering endured by enslaved individuals.

It is crucial to remember these stories, as they serve as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unyielding desire for freedom. By acknowledging the painful history of slavery, we can strive toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

Mighty Rough Times, I tell You: Personal Accounts of Slavery in Tennessee

by Charlotte Collins (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	364 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	183 pages

FREE

In 1929, the Social Sciences Department at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, began recording the oral histories of former slaves. During the mid-1930s, the Federal Writers’ Project undertook a similar effort, ultimately compiling more than two thousand interviews and ten thousand pages of material in seventeen states. In this volume, thirty-six former slaves living in Tennessee recount what it was like to live under the yoke. Tennessee was not a large slaveholding state compared with others in the South. On the other hand, it was a leader in the abolition movement prior to 1830 and a powder keg of mixed Union and Confederate sympathies at the time of the Civil War. The voices in this volume thus recall the extreme conditions of slavery in the border country.

Originally from San Antonio, Andrea Sutcliffe has a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She was a writer, editor, and publications manager in the Washington, DC, area for twenty years. Her writing and editing career began in 1990 as director of the EEI Press in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1996, Andrea Sutcliffe moved to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to devote herself full-time to writing. Andrea’s love of her new home in the mountains of western Virginia, and a desire to learn more about the region’s fascinating history, led to her book, Touring the Shenandoah Valley Backroads.