Seafaring: Pilot Darrell’s House

Pilot Darell's House in Bermuda is well-known among sailing enthusiasts and is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Bermuda. Slaves were introduced to the island in the early years of development, and instead of working on plantations like in the United States, they had to learn maritime skills. Pilot James Darrell was a remarkable Bermudan and mariner who worked as a slave for the majority of his life. In 1795, at the age of 47, the Royal Navy flagship HMS Resolution was granted his freedom in appreciation of his competence in guiding the Royal Navy flagship through the Narrows Channel. Pilot Darrell was one of Bermuda's earliest King's Pilots, as well as the island's first known black property owner. Over 100 wrecks have been discovered on the many reefs; therefore, pilots with considerable knowledge of their location were called in.

He steered Rear Admiral George Murray's ship into what is now known as Murray's anchorage when he was 47 years old. The admiral was so taken aback that he wrote to the governor requesting his release. Darrell continued to be a successful pilot thanks to his exceptional abilities, and he was the first black person to buy a home in Bermuda. In the town of St. George, you can see the historic mansion on Aunt Peggy's Lane. His wife and children inherited the house, which was rebuilt and is still owned by his direct descendants. Pilot Darrell was a member of the Island's largest free black group and battled for the rights of both free blacks and slaves in St. George's.