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.
Emancipation Wall. African American Heritage Site. 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”.
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. Marker can be reached from Georgia Route 255, 0.2 miles north of Unicoi Turnpike (Georgia Route 17), on the left when traveling north. Marker located near the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center.
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.
4. Emancipation Proclamation
Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 14 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.