The Original Black Panther

The long-forgotten story of the man who was a living legend

“If there should ever be a black monarchy in South Carolina,” noted his colonel, “[Rivers] will be its king.” True to this prediction, Rivers went on to serve as a South Carolina state legislator and as one of the first Black mayors in the United States.

Prince Rivers is one of the most consequential Americans about whom Americans know nothing. Born enslaved near Beaufort, South Carolina, Rivers’s flight to freedom on horseback in November 1861 became legendary during his lifetime. One of the first Black men in Union uniform and one of the longest-serving men in the Union army, Rivers was integral to the formation of the United States Colored Troops. He astounded his own officers with his speed, strength, stamina, and impeccable manners. “If there should ever be a black monarchy in South Carolina,” noted his colonel, “[Rivers] will be its king.” True to this prediction, Rivers went on to serve as a South Carolina state legislator and as one of the first Black mayors in the United States. From his seat in Hamburg, South Carolina, Rivers became known as “The Black Prince” and “The Power of Aiken County” as he presided over one of the most successful experiments in interracial democracy this country has ever known. In this first full-length biography, Rivers takes his rightful place with Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Tubman as one of the most remarkable Black freedom fighters of his age.