Description
Robert Smalls was a slave who worked as a pilot in Charleston harbor. Assigned to steer the CSS Planter, an armed Confederate military transport, he stole the boat by disguising himself as captain. He successfully sailed past five Confederate forts before he surrendered the ship and codebook to a Union vessel. Smalls was sent to meet President Lincoln, whom he encouraged to allow African Americans into the Union Army. He became the first black naval captain, commanding the Planter.
This Robert Smalls mug is part of our Civil War Series profiling participants in the War Between the States. Thousands of Confederate and Union soldiers fought in battles such as Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. We honor their sacrifices by telling their stories.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
