Near Hurtsboro in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

May 28th Celebration

Battle and Antioch Communities

— Russell County, Alabama —

Photographed by James L.Whitman, December 15, 2020

1. May 28th Celebration Battle and Antioch Communities Marker

Inscription.
President Abraham Lincoln issued Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War. Freedom for the South's slaves, however only came with the end of the conflict, April 1865. The joyous news reached Negro slaves in this area in May.

Since that time, May 28th has been established as a community holiday to commemorate a day of freedom, attracting celebrants from all over the nation.

"Thank God we are in His care"

Erected 1998 by the Russell County African American Historical Preservation Society, Inc, Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 28, 1865.

Location. 32° 9.295′ N, 85° 18.459′ W. Marker is near Hurtsboro, Alabama, in Russell County. It is at the intersection of Mandy Road and Rutherford Road (County Road 49), on the right when traveling south on Mandy Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittsview AL 36871, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

this marker is in Greater Columbus.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Black Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Spring Hill United Methodist Church (approx. 5½ miles away); Unknown Soldiers (approx. 5½ miles away); Ramah Baptist Church & Cemetery (approx. 6.3 miles away); Glennville (approx. 7.7 miles away); Hurtsboro United Methodist Church (approx. 8.4 miles away); Long Family (approx. 8½ miles away); Joel Hurt House (approx. 8½ miles away); Election Riot of 1874 (approx. 9.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hurtsboro.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Braxton Bragg Comer (was approx. 5.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by James L.Whitman, December 15, 2020

2. May 28th Celebration Battle and Antioch Communities Marker

Photographed by James L.Whitman, December 27, 2020

3. May 28th Celebration Battle and Antioch Communities Marker

Photographed by James L.Whitman, December 27, 2020

4. May 28th Celebration Battle and Antioch Communities Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2020, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. This page has been viewed 3,477 times since then and 192 times this year. Last updated on December 16, 2020, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. Photos: 1. submitted on August 9, 2024. 2. submitted on December 15, 2020, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on December 30, 2020, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.