Phoebus in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Emancipation Oak

Photographed By PaulwC3, May 15, 2014

1. Emancipation Oak Marker

Inscription. To the west, on the grounds of Hampton University, stands the Emancipation Oak. Under its sheltering limbs, protected and encouraged by the occupying Union army and prominent local church leaders, Mary Smith Kelsey Peake (1823- 22 Feb. 1862) taught her fellow African Americans to read and write as the Civil War began. She founded the first black school in Hampton at Brown Cottage in September 1861; it was a forerunner of Hampton University. In 1863, following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, Hampton residents gathered beneath the oak to hear the text read aloud.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-98.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Horticulture & Forestry • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1861.

Location. 37° 1.42′ N, 76° 19.843′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Phoebus. Marker is at the intersection of Hampton Roads Beltway (Interstate 64) and Settlers Landing Road (Virginia

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Route 143) on Hampton Roads Beltway. The marker is located at the eastbound I-64 on-ramp from Settlers Landing Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hampton VA 23669, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Baptist Pierce (within shouting distance of this marker); Hampton Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Emancipation Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); Phoebus (approx. 0.2 miles away); Second Church at Kecoughtan (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Church at Kecoughtan (approx. ¼ mile away); This Wall (approx. ¼ mile away); Second Church at Kecoughton (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.

Also see . . .
1. Hampton University : Emancipation Oak. The Emancipation Oak stands near the entrance of the Hampton University campus and is a lasting symbol of the university’s rich heritage and perseverance. (Submitted on May 17, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)

2. The Library of Virginia African American Trailblazers 2010: Mary Peake. Peake was a dedicated instructor, creating a school for adults in the evenings and continuing to teach despite failing health, even when was she was bedridden. (Submitted on May 17, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)

Wide view of the Emancipation Oak Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By PaulwC3, May 15, 2014

2. Wide view of the Emancipation Oak Marker

Emancipation Oak image. Click for full size.

Photographed By PaulwC3, May 15, 2014

3. Emancipation Oak

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,068 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 17, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.