The Amistad Schooner
Please check the Discovering Amistad website for the ship’s current location. The Amistad is Connecticut’s flagship and a replica of the original schooner.
In 1839, Mende captives from Sierra Leone took control of the ship, the Amistad. Unable to navigate back to Africa, the ship was captured and towed into the port of New London Harbor in Connecticut. The Mende were faced with slavery or execution, and their cause was taken up by many residents throughout Connecticut. U.S. Circuit and District courts ruled in favor of the Mende. This case was then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and in 1841 this court agreed with the lower court decisions and the Mende captives were ordered freed.
351 Long Wharf Dr, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
860-992-4933
