03/10/2026
Igbo Landing and enslavement
Igbo Landing refers to an event believed to have occurred in 1803 at Dunbar Creek on St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA.
A group of enslaved Igbo people were transported from West Africa to the United States. After arriving in Georgia, they were taken aboard a coastal vessel and were reportedly able to overpower their captors. According to historical accounts and oral traditions, the Igbo captives then walked into the creek and drowned themselves rather than submit to enslavement.
The story has become an important symbol of resistance, freedom, dignity and refusal to accept slavery. It is also surrounded by African-American oral traditions and folklore, including the powerful legend that the Igbo people “flew” back to Africa.
The historical details are debated, so it is important to distinguish documented evidence from later oral traditions.
Igbo Landing is a historical event connected to the enslavement of Igbo people.
