The Waterman's Song: Slavery and Freedom in Maritime North Carolina

by David S. Cecelski

The first major study of slavery in the maritime South, The Waterman's Song chronicles the world of slave and free black fishermen, pilots, rivermen, sailors, ferrymen, and other laborers who, from the colonial era through Reconstruction, plied the vast inland waters of North Carolina from the Outer Banks to the upper reaches of tidewater rivers. Demonstrating the vitality and significance of this local African American maritime culture, David Cecelski also reveals its connections to the Afro-Caribbean, the relatively egalitarian work culture of seafaring men who visited nearby ports, and the revolutionary political tides that coursed throughout the black Atlantic.

Black maritime laborers played an essential role in local abolitionist activity, slave insurrections, and other antislavery activism. They also boatlifted thousands of slaves to freedom during the Civil War. But most important, Cecelski says, they carried an insurgent, democratic vision born in the maritime districts of the slave South into the political maelstrom of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kendall Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cannot wait to write 2 essays on this book! And take a quiz!

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic look at the history of African Americans in Eastern North Carolina from colonial times through Reconstruction and a bit beyond. What Cecelski does so well is to examine the particular in such a way that illuminates and enriches the whole. He deftly connects geography, the environment, vocations, folk ways, etc. to the devolopment of politics, economics, and the central organizing principle of race as it manifested itself in Jim Crow repression. By examining the margins of the slave system in coastal North Carolina, Cecelski reveals the potential fluidity of race and the incredible courage and agency of so many average and extraordinary people. One of those great historical reads that is so grounded in its time and subject matter that it is timeless and profound.

[Nancy Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, oh oh! Talk about a much-needed correction of the story of Black people in America. Heroes, not victims. Cecelski's thorough research reveals the brilliance, ingenuity, skill and determination in a community based on complete integration and interdependency. These brave people thrived on Coastal North Carolina, using their instincts to create a thriving community, spread the word about abolition up and down the coast, and guide Admiral Burnside and his troops in navigating the treacherous coastline and wetlands to gain significant battle victories that would not have occurred without them. Yay! This book must be made into a movie. Too much good news to remain hidden in a book!

[Matthew Picchietti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked pretty much everything about this book. The subject matter is fascinating. The style is excellent. It's a history text book that doesn't read like one. The pictures and illustrations are beautiful. Even the book's physical dimensions are pleasing. Small enough to fit into the front pocket of a backpack.
I'm very glad to have it as a part of my home library.

[Gina Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly really good for required reading for a class. I learned a lot.

[alex thornton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a History class and was surprised at how interesting it was. Usually history books have a dull tone and are hard to keep reading, but this was well written. It seemed a little repetitive in information, but that can easily be ignored with the knowledge of African American's influence on Southern culture. It was amazing to learn about the slave waterman and the freedom that they acquired from their owners because of their skill. It is also amazing that the waterman's story isn't taught more, causing it to become forgotten and lost.

[Tom Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very throrough coverage of the subject. Remarkable the impact of local slave pilots during Civil War. Union Navy was floundering without their assistance.