This play tells the story of Robert Smalls, a slave in Charleston, South Carolina, who dreams of becoming a free man while struggling to earn enough money to buy his wife and child’s freedom. Eventually, as a sailor and pilot on board the Confederate gunboat “Planter,” during the Civil War, he seizes his chance. In a daring adventure, Robert, along with his family and other slaves, commandeers the “Planter,” sails her past the deadly guns of two forts, and turns her over to the ships of the Union blockade.

Grade Level 5-8
Citizenship/History/Diversity/Character Education

Enjoy “Seven Miles to Freedom” performed by the
Raven Radio Theater Players.

Raven Radio Theater Recording