Southwest Waterfront in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Pearl

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 8, 2018

1. The Pearl Marker

Inscription. In 1848, in the largest recorded escape attempt by slaves in US history, 77 men, women, and children attempted to flee on the 65-foot schooner Pearl, but were recaptured due to opposing winds.

Erected 2017.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 38° 52.689′ N, 77° 1.425′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Waterfront. Marker is at the intersection of Wharf Street Southwest and 7th Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west on Wharf Street Southwest. Marker is embedded in the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Wharf Street Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. District Morgue (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis Jefferson (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Channel (within shouting distance of this marker); Thurgood Marshall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Water Street (about 300 feet away); Hogate's Rum Bun (about 400 feet away); Native Americans

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(about 400 feet away); Capital Yacht Club (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Also see . . .
1. Edmonson Sisters. (Submitted on January 12, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
2. Pearl Incident. (Submitted on January 12, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
3. Troubled Waters, by R.J. Phillips Band (Soundcloud, audio-only, 5 mins.). Musical tribute to Emily and Mary Edmonson, commemorating the Pearl Incident. (Submitted on April 16, 2019, by Joseph DeFilippo of Owings Mills, Maryland.)

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 8, 2018

2. The Pearl Marker

Sign for an event regarding the Pearl Incident image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 16, 2021

3. Sign for an event regarding the Pearl Incident

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 546 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 8, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on April 16, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.