Amistad

LOA: 129'

In 1839, 53 Africans were kidnapped from West Africa and brought to Cuba aboard a Portuguese slave ship.  The captives were transferred to the schooner La Amistad.  Three days into their journey, a 25-year old Mende rice farmer names Sengbe Pieh led a rebellion.

After 63 days at sea, La Amistad was seized as salvage and towed to Connecticut.  The Africans were charged with murder and mutiny.  The case took on historic proportions when former President John Quincy Adams argued successfully on behalf of the captives before the Supreme Court.  In 1841, the 35 surviving Africans returned to Africa.

The Freedom Schooner Amistad visits ports as a floating classroom , icon and monument to he millions that were broken or lost as a result of the salve trade.

Arrived at North Cove: October 2, 2006