Historical Value of Accounts of the Stono Rebellion
Both accounts presented in “Two Views of the Stono Rebellion” are historically valuable because they describe the South Carolina slave revolt from different perspectives. While potentially biased, the white official’s account can provide insight into white thinking and attitudes toward rebellion and slavery. It provides insight into how the whites in power perceived and portrayed the rebellion. Although this report is written from the dominant position of a white official, it contains some constructive tools, like the names of the whites and the place where the rebels passed, for modern historians.
On the other hand, the story of George Cato explains the actual events of the slave revolt in South Carolina, but from the opposite point of view. It is of historical importance because its primary source is an ancestor of George Cato, “who commanded the Stono Insurrection in 1739” (National Humanities Center, n.d., p. 3). Even though the account has been passed down orally for over 200 years, it is authentic and explains the experiences, motives, and origins of the resistance of the enslaved people.
Weaknesses in the Accounts
Both sources have disadvantages that must be taken into account. The white official’s report may be influenced by prejudice, propaganda, or attempts to downplay the severity of the rebellion. He may also lack direct experience or a comprehensive understanding of events.
While valuable, the oral history of George Cato is subject to the potential inaccuracies of oral transmission over several generations. Memory can be wrong, and details can be changed or lost over time. Therefore, the main disadvantage of each account is the one-sided transmission of events that took place in 1739.
Accuracy of the South Carolina Commemorative Marker
The historical marker in South Carolina does not indicate the cause of the rebellion but predominantly focuses on September 9, 1739, and its aftermath. The front of the marker can lead to a biased perception of the participants in the uprising, as it describes the robbery of a weapons store, the killing of shopkeepers, and the noise and chaos that the rebels created in the streets. The back of the marker focuses on the rebellion’s effects on whites and blacks, who were executed and subjected to harsh regulations until 1865 (National Humanities Center, n.d.). In general, this historical memo accurately conveys the events of the uprising, although it seems biased towards enslaved people. Interpretation and bias are essential for preserving history in public memory since the distortion of history and the correct perception of historical events depend on them.
Reference
National Humanities Center. (n.d.). Two views of the Stono Slave Rebellion, South Carolina, 1739 [PDF document]. Web.