Clotilda: Last American Slave Ship (Full Episode) | Shipwrecks of America

Summary

This documentary explores the discovery and history of the Clotilda, the last known ship to illegally bring enslaved Africans to the United States in 1860, and the resilient community formed by the survivors in Africatown.

Highlights

The Discovery and Historical Significance00:01:22

Archaeologists and descendants of the Clotilda survivors gather at the site of the shipwreck in the Mobile River to assess the condition of the vessel. The Clotilda is highlighted as a uniquely preserved site, representing the last illegal shipment of human cargo into the US.

Captivity and The Transatlantic Journey00:09:49

Through the oral histories of survivors like Cudjo Lewis and historical records, the documentary details the capture of West Africans by the Kingdom of Dahomey, their forced march, confinement in barracoons, and the horrific 13-day voyage across the Atlantic.

Diving the Wreck00:22:55

Archaeologists conduct underwater dives into the hull of the Clotilda to collect scientific samples and document the remains. The researchers are able to map the confined space where 110 people were held, providing a somber, intimate look at the survivors' experience.

Destruction of Evidence and Founding of Africatown00:28:11

Upon arrival in 1860, Captain Foster burned the ship to hide evidence of his crime. Following their eventual freedom after the Civil War, the survivors, unable to return to Africa, purchased land from their former captors to establish the resilient community of Africatown.

Preservation and Legacy00:39:53

The documentary concludes by discussing current efforts to preserve the shipwreck and the ongoing struggle of the Africatown community to reclaim their heritage, build a dedicated museum, and ensure the story of the Clotilda is taught for future generations.