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In 1831 a black slave preacher led one of the most significant slave rebellions in the history of the United States. Nat Turner felt that he had a greater purpose in life than just preaching. In 1825 he stated that he began to have visions from god, and through his visions Turner began to believe that he was to attack slavery head on. In February of 1831 the eclipse of the sun, told Turner that the time to act was now. By August he had gathered all his followers. He and his father then went on to kill his master Joseph Travis and his family. The rebellion then moved throughout the city of Southampton, Virginia, killing whites they encountered and recruiting more followers. They stole supplies, guns, and money as the swept through. The peak of the rebellion consisted of 50-60 men and five free black men. The next day Turner's men and pursuing white forces faced off in a battle. Turner's men were defeated on August 23, but Turner remained uncaptured until late October, when he was hanged. All in all the rebellion killed a total of 55 whites, and many of Turners men.