They Were Her Property: Uncovering the Horrific True Story of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson

They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South

by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6977 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE

In the annals of American history, the story of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson remains a controversial and enduring tale. Spanning decades and generations, their relationship has been the subject of intense scrutiny, debate, and historical inquiry.

The Enslaved Woman and the President

Sally Hemings was born into slavery at the Monticello plantation in Virginia. Her father was an enslaved man while her mother was a woman of mixed African and European ancestry. As a young girl, Sally became a personal servant to Jefferson's daughter, Martha.

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was a prominent figure in the American Revolution and a slave owner. While Jefferson publicly denounced slavery, his own plantation was home to over 600 enslaved individuals.

A Forbidden Relationship

Despite the vast gulf in their social status, Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson reportedly began a sexual relationship in the mid-1780s. Hemings was likely in her late teens or early twenties at the time, while Jefferson was in his forties.

The details of their relationship are shrouded in secrecy, as neither Jefferson nor Hemings left behind written accounts. However, DNA evidence conducted in 1998 has provided compelling proof that Jefferson fathered at least six children with Hemings.

The Children of Sally Hemings

The children born to Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson were also enslaved and faced significant social stigma. Their complex lineage has been passed down through generations, with descendants still living today.

Many of the children went on to live successful and accomplished lives, despite the challenges they faced due to their status as enslaved individuals. Among them was Robert Hemings, who became a skilled carpenter and helped build the University of Virginia.

Social and Political Implications

The relationship between Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson has profound implications for our understanding of American history. It highlights the stark realities of slavery and the hypocrisy of slave owners who publicly condemned the institution while personally benefiting from it.

The ongoing debate surrounding their relationship also raises questions about the nature of consent and the power dynamics that existed between master and slave.

A Complex Legacy

The story of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson is a complex and multifaceted one that continues to resonate today. It is a tale of power, race, and the enduring legacy of slavery in America.

While their relationship has been the subject of much controversy, it also remains an important historical event that sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the challenges of reconciling our nation's past with its present.

The story of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson is a haunting reminder of the horrors of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. By uncovering the truth about their relationship, we can gain a deeper understanding of our history and the ways in which it continues to shape our present.

They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South

by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6977 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE