Phoebus in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Emancipation Oak
Photographed by PaulwC3, May 15, 2014
1. Emancipation Oak Marker
To the west, on the grounds of Hampton University, stands the Emancipation Oak. Under its sheltering limbs, protected and encouraged by the occupying Union army and prominent local church leaders, Mary Smith Kelsey Peake (1823- 22 Feb. 1862) taught her fellow African Americans to read and write as the Civil War began. She founded the first black school in Hampton at Brown Cottage in September 1861; it was a forerunner of Hampton University. In 1863, following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, Hampton residents gathered beneath the oak to hear the text read aloud.
Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-98.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Horticulture & Forestry • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1861.
Location. 37° 1.42′ N, 76° 19.843′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Phoebus. It is at the intersection of Hampton Roads Beltway (Interstate 64) and Settlers Landing Road (Virginia
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Regionally, this marker is on the Peninsula and in Coastal Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. 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 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: John Baptist Pierce (within shouting distance of this marker); Hampton Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Emancipation Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil Rights (approx. 0.2 miles away); Phoebus (approx. 0.2 miles away); Second Church at Kecoughtan (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Church at Kecoughtan (approx. Ό mile away); This Wall (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.
Other markers no longer nearby. Emancipation Oak (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Emancipation Oak (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . .
1. Hampton University : Emancipation Oak. The Emancipation Oak stands near the entrance of the Hampton University campus and is a lasting symbol of the universitys rich heritage and perseverance. (Submitted on May 17, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
2. The Library of Virginia African American Trailblazers 2010: Mary Peake
Photographed by PaulwC3, May 15, 2014
2. Wide view of the Emancipation Oak Marker
Photographed by PaulwC3, May 15, 2014
3. Emancipation Oak
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,746 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 17, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.
