[3] Bogle had become a friend of a wealthy landowner and fellow Baptist George William Gordon, a bi-racial man who served in the Assembly as one of two representatives from St. Thomas-in-the-East parish.

In August 1865, Gordon criticised the governor of Jamaica, Edward John Eyre, for sanctioning "everything done by the higher class to the oppression of the negroes".

[5] As awareness of social injustices and people's grievances grew, Bogle led a group of small farmers 45 miles to the capital, Spanish Town, hoping to meet with Governor Eyre to discuss their issues, but they were denied an audience.

[6] The people of Stony Gut lost confidence and trust in the Government, and Bogle's supporters grew in number in the parish.

That day Bogle led hundreds of followers, armed with sticks and machetes, on a protest march to the court house.

The governor quickly retaliated, declaring martial law and ordering troops to capture the rebels and suppress the rebellion.

The troops destroyed Stony Gut and Bogle's chapel, killing more than 400 persons outright across the parish, including women and children.

Back in Britain there was public outcry, and increased opposition from liberals against Eyre's handling of the situation, with accusations against him of murder.

In 1969 Paul Bogle was named a National Hero[12] along with George William Gordon, Marcus Garvey, Sir Alexander Bustamante and Norman Washington Manley.

[15] Other reggae artists who have named and written songs in tribute to Paul Bogle include Lee Scratch Perry and a co-production between The Aggrovators and the Revolutionaries.

Bogle is mentioned in songs by Burning Spear, Brigadier Jerry, The Cimarons, Steel Pulse, Prince Far I, Lauryn Hill, Third World and General Trees.

In "So Much Things to Say", by Bob Marley & The Wailers (and subsequently covered by Lauryn Hill), Marley mentions Bogle in the same breath as Jesus Christ and Marcus Garvey, concluding: "I'll never forget no way they turned their backs on Paul Bogle, so don't you forget no youth who you are and where you stand in the struggle."

Tarrus Riley also mentions Paul Bogle in the song "Shaka Zulu Pickney", alluding to his ancestry as a freedom fighter.

St Thomas-born reggae artist Dwight "Bushman" Duncan hosts an annual Black History Month event called Football N Style in honor of Paul Bogle.