Gabriel (1776 – October 10, 1800), today commonly—if incorrectly—known as
Gabriel Prosser, was a literate
enslaved blacksmith who planned a large
slave rebellion in the
Richmond area in the summer of 1800. Information regarding the revolt was leaked prior to its execution, and he and twenty-five followers were taken captive and
hanged in punishment. In reaction, Virginia and other state legislatures passed restrictions on
free blacks, as well as prohibiting the education, assembly, and hiring out of slaves, to restrict their chances to learn and to plan similar rebellions.