Newton Knight was a farmer and soldier from Mississippi who became known for his role in the American Civil War. He was a member of the Confederate Army but deserted due to his opposition to the war and its impact on poor farmers. Knight led a group of deserters and local residents in a rebellion against the Confederacy, forming the Free State of Jones. The Free State of Jones was a short-lived community that resisted Confederate authority and sought to protect the rights of local citizens. Knight's actions highlighted the divisions within the South during the Civil War, particularly regarding class and loyalty. His story has been the subject of books and films, illustrating the complexities of the era.