Black Life on the Mississippi

Slaves, Free Blacks, and the Western Steamboat World

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Transportation, Ships & Shipbuilding, History, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, African-American Studies, Americas, United States, 19th Century
Cover of the book Black Life on the Mississippi by Thomas C. Buchanan, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas C. Buchanan ISBN: 9780807876565
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: March 8, 2006
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Thomas C. Buchanan
ISBN: 9780807876565
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: March 8, 2006
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

All along the Mississippi--on country plantation landings, urban levees and quays, and the decks of steamboats--nineteenth-century African Americans worked and fought for their liberty amid the slave trade and the growth of the cotton South. Offering a counternarrative to Twain's well-known tale from the perspective of the pilothouse, Thomas C. Buchanan paints a more complete picture of the Mississippi, documenting the rich variety of experiences among slaves and free blacks who lived and worked on the lower decks and along the river during slavery, through the Civil War, and into emancipation.

Buchanan explores the creative efforts of steamboat workers to link riverside African American communities in the North and South. The networks African Americans created allowed them to keep in touch with family members, help slaves escape, transfer stolen goods, and provide forms of income that were important to the survival of their communities. The author also details the struggles that took place within the steamboat work culture. Although the realities of white supremacy were still potent on the river, Buchanan shows how slaves, free blacks, and postemancipation freedpeople fought for better wages and treatment.

By exploring the complex relationship between slavery and freedom, Buchanan sheds new light on the ways African Americans resisted slavery and developed a vibrant culture and economy up and down America's greatest river.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

All along the Mississippi--on country plantation landings, urban levees and quays, and the decks of steamboats--nineteenth-century African Americans worked and fought for their liberty amid the slave trade and the growth of the cotton South. Offering a counternarrative to Twain's well-known tale from the perspective of the pilothouse, Thomas C. Buchanan paints a more complete picture of the Mississippi, documenting the rich variety of experiences among slaves and free blacks who lived and worked on the lower decks and along the river during slavery, through the Civil War, and into emancipation.

Buchanan explores the creative efforts of steamboat workers to link riverside African American communities in the North and South. The networks African Americans created allowed them to keep in touch with family members, help slaves escape, transfer stolen goods, and provide forms of income that were important to the survival of their communities. The author also details the struggles that took place within the steamboat work culture. Although the realities of white supremacy were still potent on the river, Buchanan shows how slaves, free blacks, and postemancipation freedpeople fought for better wages and treatment.

By exploring the complex relationship between slavery and freedom, Buchanan sheds new light on the ways African Americans resisted slavery and developed a vibrant culture and economy up and down America's greatest river.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book "Big Bone Lick," "Big Talk," and "Flush" by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book The Indian Chief as Tragic Hero by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Out on Assignment by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Julius Chambers by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Cold War Holidays by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Sugar and Civilization by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book The Cuban Connection by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Trade Unionists Against Terror by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Cities of the Dead by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Sympathy and Science by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Kingdom to Commune by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book The African American Roots of Modernism by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book A New South Rebellion by Thomas C. Buchanan
Cover of the book Atlanta, Cradle of the New South by Thomas C. Buchanan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy