The rebellion was originally planned for July 4, 1831. The date was deliberate. Turner understood the symbolism of American independence. Illness delayed the effort, and the group regrouped in August. On the night of August 21, Turner and six others began the uprising at the Travis plantation, where Turner was enslaved.

Nat Turner, an enslaved preacher born in 1800, believed he was chosen by a higher power to lead his people to freedom.