Spirit of Freedom
History is a heroic selective interpretation of the past wherein ordinary persons become icons and antagonists are demonized. Such is the sense of many anti-slavery proponents like Nat Turner, John Brown, Denmark Vesey and Charles Sumner.
What was Slavery in America?
Slavery was more than 260 years of dehumanization visited upon black men, women and children. On a daily basis acts that included whipping, beating, maiming, raping--all at the caprice of those who owned the slaves. Slavery also meant that at any time, mothers, fathers, and children could be sold away from each other. However economically, slaves were the powerful engines that catapulted America to worldwide prominence and politically, slavery defined the early beginnings of fledgling democracy for all Americans.
The Spirit of Freedom was the single ray of hope held deep in the hearts and minds of slaves that sustained them daily as they endured the absurdity of their involuntary servitude.
To be free meant to regain control of the decisions affecting one's life without fear. Freedom also meant protection against those who would violate human rights and entitlement to valued resources necessary for the "pursuit of happiness."
Topics.
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Location. 38° 19.316′ N, 77° 30.523′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It can be reached from Gordon W Shelton Boulevard 0.7 miles north of Willow Lane, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6001 Gordon W Shelton Blvd, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, 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 original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Auction Block (here, next to this marker); Runaways (here, next to this marker);
Also see . . . Abandoned National Slavery Museum. Article on Atlas Obscura (Submitted on June 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
