Sautee Nacoochee in White County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Emancipation Wall

African American Heritage Site

Photographed by Tom Bosse

1. Emancipation Wall Marker

Inscription. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, legally freeing slaves in rebellious states and regions controlled by Union forces. According to oral tradition, E.P. Williams stood on a rock wall surrounding his home to read the Proclamation that freed his slaves in 1863. Valley residents, black and white, reportedly came on foot, on mules, and in wagons to witness this historic event. Most people in bondage were not told about emancipation in 1863. In some cases, they first heard about freedom long after the end of the Civil War in April, 1865. On December 6, 1865, Congress formally abolished slavery with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude… shall exist within the United States”.

Erected by Sautee Nacoochee Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1863.

Location. 34° 41.185′ N, 83° 40.569′ W. Marker is in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, in White County. It can be reached from Georgia Route 255 0.2 miles north of Unicoi Turnpike ( Route 17), on the left when traveling north. Marker located near the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sautee Nacoochee GA 30571, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Slave Garden (here, next to this marker); African American Heritage Site (a few steps from this marker); Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); Slave Dwelling (a few steps from this marker); Millstones (a few steps from this marker); Cooling Vat (a few steps from this marker); Joe Brown Pikes (approx. 0.7 miles away); Bishop Marvin A. Franklin (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sautee Nacoochee.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Sautee Nacoochee Center. Website homepage (Submitted on July 20, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 5, 2018

2. Emancipation Wall Marker

Emancipation Wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Leah Tibbs, May 1, 2021

3. Emancipation Wall

This view shows the relation of the wall to the slave dwelling. Also visible is the Slave Garden and the Blacksmith Shop in the distance.

Emancipation Proclamation image. Click for full size.

4. Emancipation Proclamation

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 551 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on May 12, 2021, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 3. submitted on May 11, 2021, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 4. submitted on July 20, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.