Josiah's Row to Freedom
From Shirley Plantation
Meet Josiah Carter-Hulett
Learn the compelling story of runaway slave Josiah Carter-Hulett and his "Row to Freedom" from Shirley Plantation.
Nicknamed “Siah," he was the most valuable servant to Hill Carter and the first to run away from the plantation during the Civil War.
Runaway Slave Risks Life to Join the Union Navy Aboard the USS Monitor
In May of 1862, a Union fleet charged up the James River, but was stopped short of Richmond and regrouped off City Point. Under the cover of night, Josiah commandeered a small row boat and rowed towards the USS Monitor (which was a symbol of freedom in his mind), only to be fired upon by the crew of the Monitor who believed it was an enemy attack. Realizing their mistake, Josiah was pulled onto the deck and given status as a runaway slave. He was then signed aboard as a crew member and served as carpenter and cook.
American History Forged on the James River
Shirley Plantation is located on Scenic Route 5, just 10 miles east of I-295 near Richmond and 35 miles west of Colonial Williamsburg. For more information, please visit us at www.shirleyplantation.com or call (804) 829-5121.
Email: randycarter@shirleyplantation.com
Website: www.shirleyplantation.com
Location: 501 Shirley Plantation Road, Charles City, VA, United States
Phone: (804) 829-5121
Facebook: facebook.com/ShirleyPlantation
Twitter: @VisitShirley