Shadows of the Past: The Dark Legacy of Patty Cannon

This program delves into the chilling history of Patty Cannon, one of the most notorious figures to prowl the Delmarva Peninsula in the early 1800s. As the ruthless leader of a feared gang, Cannon orchestrated the kidnapping and trafficking of both free and enslaved individuals, leaving a legacy of terror in her wake. Through this discussion, we will confront the grim realities of slavery, the desperate fight for freedom, and the brutal tactics of slave catchers who prowled Delmarva. Beyond recounting Cannon’s exploits—her reign of terror, imprisonment, and ultimate demise in the Sussex County Jail—this talk examines the broader historical context of her crimes. Over time, her story has been passed down, morphing into a tangled web of myth and reality. Through careful analysis, we will work to separate fact from fiction, shedding light on one of the darkest chapters in the region’s past.