New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
The Amistad
Black Heritage Trail City of New London
Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 16, 2023
1. The Amistad Marker
On June 28, 1839, the schooner Amistad set sail from Havana with fifty-three captive Africans: forty-nine adult males and four children, three of them girls. Four days later, in a life and death struggle for freedom, the Africans killed the captain and seized control of the ship. Attempting to sail home to Africa, they were captured by the United States Navy and, on August 29, towed into New London Harbor. The Africans were thrown into a New Haven jail.
The Africans' claim to freedom was bolstered by Abolitionists throughout Connecticut. U.S. Circuit and District courts ruled in their favor. The case was then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in 1841 the Supreme Court ordered the captives freed. In November 1841, the thirty-five survivors sailed to Sierra Leone. Back in New London, the Amistad and its contents were auctioned from the US Custom House steps.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is June 28, 1839.
Location. 41° 21.13′ N, 72° 5.654′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline and in the Thames River Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Middle Passage to New London (here, next to this marker); New London Waterfront (a few steps from this marker); Whaling Days (within shouting distance of this marker); New London and the Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Humpback Whale (within shouting distance of this marker); Eastern Oyster Summer Flounder (within shouting distance of this
Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 16, 2023
2. The Amistad Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Make Us Free Amistad Memorial in New Haven
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 461 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
