From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Enslaved Revolt in Greenup County, KY
(start date: 1829 - end date: 1829)On August 14, 1829, there were 58 enslaved Africans who revolted during the march from Maryland to the Mississippi slave market. The revolt occurred in Kentucky as the enslaved were leaving Greenupsburg [now Greenup] and heading toward Vanceburg. Two men were killed; the dead were Petit, the wagoner, and an assistant named Gabriel Allen from Paris, KY.
The enslaved Africans had been purchased in Maryland by African American slaveowner, James Gordon, a freeman who was the driver on the march to Mississippi. During the revolt, Gordon was grazed by pistol shots, beaten, and left for dead.
Sixteen of the enslaved escaped and it is thought that all were later recaptured. Five of the enslaved Africans were excuted. Four were said to have been executed in Greenupsburg [now Greenup], KY. The remaining enslaved Africans were sold. It is not known what became of James Gordon.
Sources: Mudd, Aaron. "Rural Kentucky site among 31 additions to National Underground Railroad Network." Lexington Herald-Leader, 06 May 2025, online; "The Greenup Slave Revolt and David Walker's Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the United States of America" (online), a Scioto Historical webpage; "Four Negroes were executed at Greenupsburg ...," Kentucky Reporter, 09 December 1829, front page; "Affray and Murder [from an Ohio paper]." The Olive Branch and Danville Advertiser, 04 September 1829, p.2.
*This entry was suggested by Megan Mummey, Director of Manuscript Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.